Spain lived up to its role as favorites in the European Championship round of 16 against Georgia after falling behind. After their 4:1 win, the most frequently mentioned title favorites will now face hosts Germany next Friday.
It is the duel that has been on the cards for a while and had already created a lot of anticipation before the round of 16. One day after Germany against Denmark, Spain were also on top of their game against Georgia, setting up the encounter between the two best offensive teams of the first few weeks of the European Championship. This will take place on Friday (18:00) in Stuttgart.
The victory against the Georgians was not as easy for the Spaniards as the individual balance of power or the last direct duels, including a 7:1 in the European Championship qualifiers, would suggest. The surprise visitors, coached by Willy Sagnol, put all their fighting spirit into the match and took the lead with their first attack after 18 minutes through an own goal by Robin Le Normand. The setback knocked Spain off their stride for a while, but they were back on course by the 51st minute thanks to a Rodri shot from the edge of the box (39') and a Fabian Ruiz header.
The Spaniards were superior and impressed with their combinations around the opposition penalty area. Young Lamine Yamal's cross was a feast for the eyes, allowing Ruiz to make it 2:1 from a prime position. Or the goal by Nico Williams, the other winger, who scored 3:1 after a counter-attack with a dribble and shot under the crossbar. Dani Olmo scored the 4:1 in the 83rd minute.
Like Germany the day before, Spain only showed weaknesses at the back. Georgia had a few chances to score, including one from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, the initiator of the 1:0, who almost surprised keeper Unai Simon from behind the halfway line shortly before Spain's second goal. But the big surprise was only really in the realm of possibility for a short time. Spain were too good.
Telegram:
Spain - Georgia 4:1 (1:1)
Cologne. - 42'233 spectators. - Referee Letexier (FRA). - Goals: 18th Le Normand (own goal) 0:1. 39th Rodri 1:1. 51st Ruiz 2:1. 75th Williams 3:1. 83rd Olmo 4:1.
Spain: Simon; Carvajal (81. Navas), Le Normand, Laporte, Cucurella (66. Grimaldo); Pedri (52. Olmo), Rodri, Ruiz (81. Merino); Yamal, Morata (66. Oyarzabal), Williams.
Georgia: Mamardashvili; Kakabadze, Gwelesiani (79. Kwekveskiri), Kashia, Dvali, Lochoshvili (63. Tsitaishvili); Chakvetadze (63. Davitashvili), Kiteishvili (41. Altunashvili), Kochorashvili; Mikautadze (79. Sivsivadze), Kvaratskhelia.
Comments: Spain complete. Georgia without Mekhabishvili (suspended). Cautions: 44 for Morata, 71 for Davitashvili.
SDA
