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Cologne, Germany – In a match that was anticipated to be a “David versus Goliath” encounter, Spain asserted their dominance with a commanding 4-1 victory over Georgia, securing their place in the Euro 2024 quarterfinals. The Spanish side, having already impressed with three wins in the group stage, continued their form, though not without a momentary scare.
First Half: A Dominant Display and a Shock Lead
From the opening whistle, Spain displayed their characteristic possession-based play, keeping the ball and dictating the tempo. Within the first 12 minutes, Spain had already forced five corners and several saves from Georgian goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili. The match seemed to be headed in one direction – towards Georgia’s goal.
However, football’s unpredictability came into play. Despite Spain’s dominance, it was Georgia who struck first. In the 20th minute, a rare Georgian attack saw Mikautadze surge through the midfield and pass to Kakabadze, who delivered a cross into the box. The ball, intended for Kvaratskhelia, was instead turned into the net by Spanish defender Robin Le Normand, giving Georgia a historic lead and marking the first goal Spain had conceded in this tournament.
Despite the shock of conceding, Spain’s superiority remained evident throughout the first half. Georgia attempted quick counterattacks but often faltered in the final third. Spain, unfazed, continued to press, and their efforts paid off just before halftime. Rodri, orchestrating from midfield, set up Nico Williams, who returned the ball to him for a powerful, low shot that Mamardashvili could not stop, leveling the score.
Second Half: Spain Takes Control
The second half began with Georgia showing brief flashes of threat, notably from Kvaratskhelia who attempted a long-range effort that narrowly missed. But Spain soon reasserted their dominance. In the 51st minute, a precise cross from Lamine Yamal found Fabián Ruiz, who deftly finished to complete the turnaround and give Spain a 2-1 lead.
As the game progressed, Spain’s control only grew. With 15 minutes remaining, Fabián Ruiz, having an outstanding tournament, delivered a long ball to Nico Williams. The Spanish winger sprinted past the defense, cut inside, and slotted the ball home for Spain’s third goal. The final nail in Georgia’s coffin came from Dani Olmo, who received a pass from Oyarzabal and expertly placed his shot into the bottom corner.
Looking Ahead
With this emphatic win, Spain has now scored nine goals and conceded just one in the tournament, setting up a tantalizing quarterfinal clash with Germany. This matchup is already being touted as a potential final preview, promising high stakes and high-quality football.
Player of the Match: Nico Williams
The 21-year-old winger, Nico Williams, was instrumental in Spain’s victory. His assist for the opening goal and his well-taken strike for the third showcased his importance to the Spanish attack. His pace and skill were a constant threat, making him the standout player of the match.
Final Thoughts
Spain’s 4-1 triumph over Georgia was a display of technical superiority and resilience. Despite an early setback, they maintained their composure and showcased their attacking prowess. As they move forward to face Germany, Spain will look to continue their impressive form and edge closer to the Euro 2024 title.