While Spain, one of the tournament favorites, breezed through the group stage with a perfect record, Georgia’s journey to the knockout stages has been nothing short of sensational.
Here are ten exciting things to look out for as La Roja take on the Euro 2024 underdogs.
1. Spain’s Unblemished Group Stage Record
Spain is the only team to have navigated the group stage with a 100% winning record. Luis de la Fuente’s side triumphed in all three matches, a feat they hadn’t achieved since their golden run in 2008.
Their final group game against Albania, despite featuring a heavily rotated squad, still resulted in a victory courtesy of Ferran Torres’ early strike. It is a show of depth and tactical versatility that could trouble Georgia without end.
2. Georgia’s Fairy Tale Journey
Georgia’s story at Euro 2024 has captured the imagination of football fans worldwide. Making their debut at a major tournament, Willy Sagnol’s side has defied the odds, most notably by stunning Portugal in their final group match.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Georges Mikautadze have been pivotal in this journey, with the latter playing a direct role in all four of Georgia’s goals at the tournament.
3. Spain’s Formidable Defence
Rejuvenated under De la Fuente, Spain has adopted a more direct playing style, resulting in a rock-solid defence. They have yet to concede a goal at Euro 2024, a stark contrast to their recent struggles in the knockout stages of major tournaments.
Not since their triumphant Euro 2012 campaign have La Roja kept four successive clean sheets at a major finals.
4. Georgia’s Shot-Stopper Extraordinaire
Giorgi Mamardashvili has been a revelation for Georgia. The Valencia goalkeeper has saved 16 of the last 17 shots on target he has faced at Euro 2024, playing a crucial role in their progress.
His heroics will be tested against Spain’s potent attack, but his performances thus far suggest he’s up for the challenge.
5. Tactical Battle: De la Fuente vs Sagnol
Luis de la Fuente’s tactical acumen will be put to the test against Willy Sagnol’s well-drilled Georgian side. Sagnol’s 5-3-2 formation has been effective, particularly in counter-attacking scenarios.
Spain, known for their possession-based play, will need to be wary of Georgia’s quick transitions and set-piece threats.
6. Georgia’s Resilient Defence
Despite conceding the most shots and highest xG in the group stage, Georgia’s defence has shown remarkable resilience.
Solomon Kvirkvelia, a two-time ‘Georgian Player of the Year’, could be pivotal in shoring up the backline. The challenge will be to withstand Spain’s relentless pressure while capitalizing on counter-attacks.
7. Spain’s Squad Depth
One of Spain’s key strengths at Euro 2024 has been their squad depth. De la Fuente made ten changes against Albania, yet his side still secured victory.
Players like Ferran Torres and Dani Olmo, who have excelled in limited appearances, underscore the quality available on Spain’s bench. This depth could be crucial in navigating the knockout stages.
8. Georgia’s Key Men: Kvaratskhelia and Mikautadze
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, nicknamed ‘Kvaradona’, has been a standout performer for Georgia, registering the fastest goal of the finals so far.
Georges Mikautadze, the tournament’s leading scorer, has been instrumental, particularly with his ice-cool penalty against Portugal. Their ability to break down Spain’s defence could be decisive.
9. Historical Context and Previous Encounters
Spain and Georgia have met seven times before, with La Roja winning six of those encounters. However, Georgia’s only win came in a 2016 friendly, proving that they can upset the odds.
Spain’s comprehensive victories in the qualifying rounds (7-1 away, 3-1 home) may not fully reflect the challenge they face against a buoyant Georgian side at this tournament.
10. The Path to Glory
For Spain, a win against Georgia could set up a quarter-final clash with hosts Germany and a potential semi-final against France. Navigating this tougher half of the draw will require them to be at their best.
For Georgia, every match is uncharted territory, and they have already achieved hero status by reaching the knockout stages. A victory here would further cement their place in football folklore.