Rodri, Fabian Ruiz, Nico Williams, and Dani Olmo all scored as Spain overcame Georgia 4-1 at Euro 2024 on Sunday, setting up a blockbuster quarter-final clash against hosts Germany.
Georgia took a surprise lead in the 18th minute when Robin Le Normand scored an own goal, igniting celebrations among their fans in Cologne. This marked the first goal Spain had conceded in the competition. Spain equalized six minutes before halftime through Manchester City midfielder Rodri.
Ruiz headed Spain into the lead in the 51st minute, followed by Williams running through for the third goal. Substitute Olmo sealed the victory, keeping La Roja on track to claim their fourth European Championship title.
Spain will now face Germany in Stuttgart on Friday, a rematch of the Euro 2008 final, which Spain won 1-0 to start their era of international dominance. Luis de la Fuente’s team aims to revive those glory days and was expected to dominate Georgia. Spain could have won by a greater margin had they converted more of their chances, with 16-year-old winger Lamine Yamal missing several opportunities to become the youngest ever goal-scorer at the Euros.
Georgia, ranked 74th in the world, 66 places below Spain, had lost to Spain twice in qualifying. Despite this, they qualified for their first major tournament and reached the knockout stages with a stunning 2-0 win over Portugal.
Georgia’s coach, Willy Sagnol, stated that his team had “already won the European Championship” with their remarkable run. Despite eventually losing to Spain, they return home with pride, showcasing a strong attacking duo in Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Georges Mikautadze, and exceptional goalkeeping from Giorgi Mamardashvili.
– Audacious –
Mamardashvili had already made notable saves from Pedri and Dani Carvajal before Georgia took the lead. The play started with a skillful move by Kvaratskhelia, who, despite limited space on the left wing, managed to pass to Mikautadze. Mikautadze then released Otar Kakabadze on the right wing, whose cross into the box led to a mishap for Le Normand. With Kvaratskhelia arriving behind him, Le Normand inadvertently sent the ball into his own net, marking the eighth own goal of Euro 2024.
Despite Spain’s dominance, they were vulnerable to Georgia’s counterattacks. The Spanish side continued to press, with Mamardashvili making several crucial saves in a chaotic match. The equalizer came when Rodri controlled a pass from Williams at the edge of the box and calmly placed the ball into the corner of the net.
Georgia remained dangerous on the break, with Kvaratskhelia nearly scoring from inside his own half early in the second half, his shot narrowly missing with goalkeeper Unai Simon out of position. Spain took the lead shortly after when Yamal crossed from the right, allowing Ruiz to head in his second goal of the tournament at the back post.
Yamal continued to create opportunities, forcing an own goal that was disallowed for offside. Under heavy rain, Georgia’s defense began to falter. Ruiz set up Williams, who sprinted from inside his own half, evaded Giorgi Gvelesiani, and fired into the roof of the net to make it 3-1 in the 75th minute.
The final goal came from Olmo, who showcased excellent control and finishing from the edge of the box, completing the scoring with seven minutes remaining.
