We’re in for a treat! The derby we all expected is scheduled for the quarter-final – Spain against Germany! Although Georgia took the lead through Robin Le Normand’s own goal, Spain still showed their strength and convincingly beat the underdog – 4-1. Rodri levelled the result in the first half, while Fabian Ruiz, Nico Williams and Dani Olmo brought the victory to La Furia Roja. Georgia fought bravely but didn’t have a chance against the three-time European champions.The best team so far, against the biggest surprise so far at EURO 2024. Spain was the firm favourite ahead of tonight’s clash, but Georgia beat Portugal to advance from the group and showed the entire football world they should not be underestimated. Having learned from Portugal manager’s mistakes, Luis de la Fuente opted for the strongest possible team, while Willy Sagnol once more relied on his team’s first star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, the best goalkeeper of the group stage Giorgi Mamardashvili, and the joint top scorer of the tournament Georges Mikautadze.EURO 2024: The Three Lions are not cats, but they have nine lives!La Furia started dominantly from the start and immediately took control of the match. Already in the fifth minute, Pedri sent a warning to the Georgians, but his shot was too weak for Mamardashvili. Five minutes later, Dani Carvajal was close to scoring his second goal in the tournament, but Valencia’s goalie made an excellent save, just like he did with the last 16 out of 17 shots on target he had faced before this game.Spain didn’t use their chance, but Georgia did their first attack in the game after 18 minutes. Sagnol’s crew started the counterattack, and Otar Kakabadze pulled it away from the right flank. Georgia right-back crossed the ball into the box, where it deflected of Robin Le Normand behind Unai Simon’s back, scoring the eighth own goal at the EURO 2024!The first goal La Furia conceded at the tournament must have shocked the Spaniards, but they continued attacking as if nothing had happened, waiting for another chance that was inevitably to come. Although Georgia had the lead, Spain had 10 attempts already in the 27th minute! However, Sagnol’s squad stuck to their tactics – strong defensive blocks and counterattacks.Nevertheless, six minutes before the break, that tactic failed. Rodri got the ball from Lamine Yamal, moved it to Nico Williams on the left side, and then got it back in a central spot, where he struck it through the crowd to find the net and level the score. Misfortune never comes alone, and the Georgians felt it tonight. Immediately upon conceding the goal, Otar Kiteishvili had to leave the pitch due to an injury, and Sandro Altunashvili replaced him. At the break, both teams could have been satisfied. Although Spain dominated the match, Georgia had a positive result, while the Spaniards had to be pleased with the result since they were behind.Yamal finishes high-school while playing at EUROSixteen attempts and 74% ball possession in the first half were not enough for de la Fuente’s crew to have a lead, but still, they were a good head start for the second period. Still, in the 48th minute, Kvaradona had the first chance, spotting Simon off his goal and smashing the ball from more than 50 meters slightly wide of the left post. Spain responded three minutes later and got the lead. First, Mamardashvili saved Yamal’s free kick, only to continue La Furia’s attack. Barca’s youngster got the ball again in the right flank and lifted a beautiful ball for Fabian Ruiz to head it in.Spain’s boss then sent Dani Olmo in for Pedri, wanting to strengthen his offense and possibly secure the win by scoring another goal. Having the lead, his team was able to be more calm and play patiently, waiting for a Georgian defense mistake. Sagnol tried to improve the offensive line by subbing in Georgiy Tsitaishvili and Zuriko Davitashvili for Luka Lochoshvili and Giorgi Chakvetadze. De la Fuente responded and subbed Marc Cucurella and captain Alvaro Morata out, while Alejandro Grimaldo and Mikel Oyarzabal took their places. It felt as if the second Spaniards’ goal “killed” the game’s rhythm after taking the lead. Truth be told, La Furia still circled around Georgia’s penalty area but was cautious about dangerous counterattacks.In the 74th minute, we could’ve seen another own goal, this time by a Georgian, but Yamal was offside. A minute later, everything was by the rules when Williams netted the third goal for Spain. The 21-year-old controlled a long ball on the left and smashed it under the bar. The 16-year-old Yamal had another chance ten minutes before the final whistle but couldn’t send the ball past Mamardashvili and become the youngest-ever scorer at the European Championships. What he couldn’t do, Olmo did three minutes later, scoring his ninth international goal by curling the ball from the edge of the box. De la Fuente used the opportunity to give a chance to the experienced Jesus Navas, who also took the captain’s armband.In the final minutes, both teams just waited for the match to end, except for Yamal, who really wanted to score. After all, the Georgians can be proud of themselves and of everything they showed and achieved in their debut at major competitions, while Spain continue their way towards the European crown. The next step is the hardest possible – the host Germany in Stuttgart.EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP – 1/8 FINALSSaturdaySwitzerland – Italy 2-0 (1-0)/Freuler 37, Vargas 46/Germany – Denmark 2-0 (0-0)/Havertz 53 pen, Musiala 68/SundayEngland – Slovakia 2-1 (0-1) AET/Bellingham 90+5, Kane 91 – Schranz 25/Spain – Georgia 4-1 (1-1)/Rodri 39, Ruiz 51, Williams 75, Olmo 83 – Le Normand 18 og/Monday19.00: (1.95) France (3.40) Belgium (4.70)22.00: (1.43) Portugal (4.75) Slovenia (9.10)Tuesday19.00: (8.25) Romania (4.30) Netherlands (1.50)22.00: (1.95) Austria (3.50) Turkey (4.50)***odds are subject to change***
