Spain conjures up a showdown against Germany
The German team faces Spain in the quarter-finals of the Home-EM with the best team of the tournament so far: Spain. Spain's football artists showed once again their status as favorites in the Achtelfinal victory against Georgia. Julian Nagelsmann's team should be warned.
Spain's football artists can also put in hard work - and are well prepared for the EM-quarterfinal clash against Germany. The title contender defeated the stubborn outsider Georgien in Cologne only clearly with a 4:1 (1:1), but on Friday (6 p.m.) in Stuttgart, it will be a tough test for the DFB team.
Rodri (39.) equalized with a shot from the penalty area, canceling out Robin Le Normand's (18 years old) own goal. Then Fabian Ruiz (51) released Spain and ended the small football fairy tale of Willy Sagnol's team, which fought until the end with force and passion against elimination. The decisive moment came with Nico Williams' (75) goal. Dani Olmo (83) added the 4:1.
Germany is facing the toughest task of this EM so far. Spain's success against Georgia was deserved - and the result of tireless running and trust in their own strength. Even after the brief setback, the team of coach Luis de la Fuente remained determined and was eventually rewarded.
Shock for the Spaniards
At the beginning, the eighth own goal of the tournament, which was scored by Le Normand, caused unexpected tension. For the Spaniards, who had previously played Georgien to a standstill, it was the first goal against them in this EM and a goal that had an impact. Georgia managed to win back the ball repeatedly, which they used for quick and nimble counter-attacks. The difference between the technically perfect Spanish passing machine and the passionate Georgians was no longer as great as at the beginning.
It seemed only a matter of time before the first goal for the Spaniards would fall. Pedri (5) had the first chance to finish, but Giorgi Mamardaschwili saved it. Also, a header from Dani Carvajal (10) was saved by the goalkeeper. Otherwise, the Spaniards were stuck in the Georgian defense with their combinations.
Then came a shock for the Spaniards, who had started the game with an impeccable group phase as a clear favorite: Otar Kakabadse crossed powerfully from the right wing into the middle, where Le Normand scored past the onrushing Chwitscha Kwarazchelia.
Young star Yamal with the assist
Georgia managed better and better to free itself from the Spanish grip and create chaos. However, in the phase where the game was more balanced, Rodri scored the equalizer. Mamardaschwili was powerless to prevent it.
Just after the break, Kwarazchelia almost scored the goal of the tournament. His shot from the halfway line surprised the far-advanced Unai Simon, but it rolled just past Spain's goal. On the other side, Mamardaschwili saved a free kick from Lamine Yamal (50). The Spanish youngster then provided a perfect cross for Fabian, whose header gave the favorite the lead.
The Spaniards couldn't showcase their technological superiority and took long possession of the ball, stealing time from the clock. The Georgians labored to prevent Spanish goal opportunities and managed to counterattack for an equalizer - in vain. Williams, thanks to a brilliant pass from Fabián Ruiz, and Olmo scored beautifully and sealed the deal.
Spain's national soccer team will aim to maintain their dominant form against Julian Nagelsmann's German team in the European Football Championship 2024 quarter-finals, following their challenging yet victorious match against Georgia. The Spanish team, led by coach Luis de la Fuente, showed resilience and determination against the Georgian team, turning around a 1-0 deficit to achieve a 4-1 victory.
