EM 2024 - The next opponent: Spain meets Germany in the quarter-finals
Earlier shock, strong reaction: Spain made a perfect exit of the EM Quarterfinals against Germany and threw out the surprise team Georgia from the tournament. The team coached by Luis de la Fuente defeated the clear underdog in the Round of 16 after being behind with a score of 1:1. Now, on Friday in Stuttgart, there is an eagerly anticipated power clash with the team co-trained by Julian Nagelsmann.
Rodri (39. minute), Fabián Ruiz (51.), Nico Williams (75.), and Dani Olmo (83.) scored for the Spaniards, who also won their fourth game at the European Championship. Georgia took the lead through an own goal by Robin Le Normand (18'). They fought passionately. In the end, the football technologically superior Spaniards won deservedly.
Georgia Takes the Lead First
In rainy Cologne, Spain took the initiative from the start and put pressure from the first minute. The Red Fury pushed the Georgians deep back and created early chances. A first finish from Pedri gave Georgian goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardaschwili some problems. In a header by Le Normand, the 23-year-old had to show his full class for the first time. It was clear: The Valencia goalkeeper would have a lot of work to do.
However, it was Le Normand who made himself the main actor unwillingly. A cross from Otar Kakabadze carried the defender into his own net – it was the first goal conceded by Spain at the European Championship. The 20,000 Georgian fans went wild with joy. Their banner proclaiming the evening's motto, "Believe," was reinforced: Georgia believed in the football miracle.
Despite Spain's clear superiority, the Georgians' well-organized five-man defense initially gave the two young dribblers, Lamine Yamal (16) and Nico Williams (21), little room to maneuver. And when they or one of their teammates managed to get through, Mamardaschwili did his job excellently.
Rodri Saves Spain with the Equalizer
In the 39th minute, Mamardaschwili was powerless. Rodri's shot from the penalty area to equalize was too well-placed. The equalizer gave the Spaniards momentum. The second half began with a scare. Kwaratschelia came close to outwitting goalkeeper Unai Simón with a brilliant move. His shot from his own half flew just half a meter past the goal.
Then, the Spaniards were rewarded for their superiority. Mamardaschwili parried a free kick from Yamal well, but Ruiz's header from a short distance had no defensive answer. The title contender took control and made it clear in the closing stages. Williams and the substitute Olmo built on the lead.
- Spain will face off against Julian Nagelsmann's co-trained team in Stuttgart on Friday, following their exciting victory over Georgia in the European Championship.
- Despite Georgia's early lead thanks to an own goal by Robin Le Normand, Spain managed to turn the game around with goals from Rodri, Fabián Ruiz, Nico Williams, and Dani Olmo.
- The Spanish team, led by Luis de la Fuente, demonstrated their technological superiority on the field, utilizing their skill and precision to outplay the Georgian team.
- Nico Williams, one of Spain's standout players, scored a crucial goal in the 75th minute, further securing Spain's victory over Georgia in the Round of 16.
- Germany, who were previously eliminated by Spain in the Quarterfinals, will no doubt be watching closely as their German-coached competitor, Julian Nagelsmann, faces off against Spain in Stuttgart.
