Euro 2024: Spain cruise to the quarter final, set up clash with host Germany
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Spain cruise to the quarter-final || Imago

Euro 2024: Spain cruise to the quarter final, set up clash with host Germany

Stephen Oladehinde 22:01 - 30.06.2024

Spain defeated Georgia in the round of 16 tie and qualified for the quarter-final as they set sight on the trophy.

Luis de la Fuente men finished their group as the winners, with nine points to set up a clash with Georgia in the round of 16.

The La Furia Roja had it easy against Georgia, defeating them 4-1 on the night despite the underdogs taking the lead early on.

As it happened 

Luis de la Fuente made 10 changes to the Spain side that won 1-0 over Albania on Monday with all their key players returning, including youngsters Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams and Pedri.

Georgia fielded the same side that recorded an impressive 2-0 win over Portugal to face Spain.

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Spain started by dominating most of the possessions and looking dangerous with their crosses into the box.

However, it was Georgia that took the surprising lead in the 18th minute. Georgia got their foot on the ball for the first time and flew forward in a counter-attacking mode.

Right-back Otar Kakabadze puts in a terrific low cross, and Robin Le Normand - under huge pressure from the attackers - puts the ball past Unai Simon with his left thigh.

Spain vs Georgia || Imago
Spain vs Georgia || Imago

Spain got back their grove and got the equaliser in the 39th minute when Rodri was teed up just outside the box and his low left-footed shot beat the goalkeeper into the net, with the referee blowing the half-time whistle.

The second half started and Spain took the lead. Giorgi Mamardashvili made a good save from a free kick, but Spain gathered the ball back and kept up the attack.

The ball was played wide right for Lamine Yamal, whose cross from the right went to Fabian Ruiz and he rose high to nod the ball past Mamardashvili.

Yamal and Williams instrumental in Spain's victory || Imago
Yamal and Williams instrumental in Spain's victory || Imago

Spain kept pushing and added the third goal in the 75th minute to kill any hope of a comeback from Georgia.

Georgia were caught on the counter and were punished after Fabian Ruiz found Nico Williams, who breezed past Giorgi Gvelesiani before slamming his finish into the roof of the net.

Luis de la Fuente side kept on pushing and added the fourth goal in the 83rd minute when Dani Olmo found space on the edge of the box, and he placed his shot into the bottom left corner.

The final whistle was blown, with Spain sealing a well-deserved victory against Georgia and booking a place in the quarter-final to face the host Germany

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