Spain will be facing Georgia in the round of 16 at Euro 2024, with the match set to take place on Sunday in Cologne. Spain has been performing exceptionally well in the tournament, having won all three of its group games. On the other hand, Georgia caused a major upset by defeating Portugal in a surprising result. The match is expected to kick off at 9 p.m. local time (1900 GMT).
Spain finished the group stage with a perfect record of three wins, including a significant victory over defending champion Italy. Their stellar performance has positioned them as strong contenders to win the European title for the first time since 2012. Additionally, Spain had previously defeated Georgia twice in the qualifiers, showcasing their domination in head-to-head matches.
Georgia, under the coaching of Willy Sagnol, demonstrated rapid improvement with their 2-0 win over Portugal, securing their qualification. The team’s tactical approach, involving a low block and quick counterattacks, proved to be effective against strong opponents. The winner of the Spain vs. Georgia match will face either Germany or Denmark in the quarterfinals.
Both teams are facing potential fitness challenges, with Spain having the advantage of rest since their last match on Monday. Georgia, in contrast, played a tough game against Portugal just four days before the upcoming match. Spain’s head coach Luis de la Fuente will have a full squad at his disposal, with midfielder Rodri returning from suspension. However, several defenders are at risk of missing the quarterfinals if they receive a booking in the match against Georgia.
Georgia’s coach Sagnol expressed confidence in his team, stating that they have nothing to lose in the match against Spain. Despite being the underdogs, Georgia’s strong performance against Portugal has raised their morale and belief in their abilities. Georgian midfielder Anzor Mekvabishvili will be suspended for the match, while captain Guram Kashia is among four players who are one yellow card away from a suspension.
Georgian striker Georges Mikautadze emerged as the top scorer in the group stage, scoring three goals, including a penalty against Portugal. In contrast, none of Spain’s players have scored more than once in the tournament so far. The match between Spain and Georgia is expected to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams determined to secure a spot in the quarterfinals.
