Spain, widely regarded as one of the favorites for Euro 2024, faces a surprising challenge in the round of 16 on Sunday when they take on Georgia, who pulled off the shock result of the tournament so far by beating Portugal.
Spain, widely regarded as one of the favorites for Euro 2024, faces a surprising challenge in the round of 16 on Sunday when they take on Georgia, who pulled off the shock result of the tournament so far by beating Portugal.
Spain finished the group stage with a perfect record of three wins, including a 1-0 victory over defending champion Italy. Georgia, meanwhile, secured qualification with a 2-0 win over Portugal, a result that underlined their rapid improvement under coach Willy Sagnol.
* Spain was the only team to finish the group stage with a perfect record of three wins.
* Georgia's win over Portugal was their first competitive victory over a top-10 ranked team.
* Spain had no trouble beating Georgia twice in qualifying last year, winning 4-0 and 7-1.
* The winner of the match will play either Germany or Denmark in the quarterfinals.
* Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has his full squad available, with midfielder Rodri returning from a one-game suspension.
* Georgia is without midfielder Anzor Mekvabishvili, who is suspended after picking up a yellow card against Portugal.
* Captain and defender Guram Kashia is one of four Georgian players who are one yellow card away from a suspension.
* Georgian striker Georges Mikautadze was the surprise top scorer of any team in the Euro 2024 group stage with three goals.
* None of Spain's players have scored more than once.
* Spain has a perfect record against Georgia, winning all four of their previous meetings.
* "I think the problem of the football world is the last 15 years have been like ping-pong between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, and to see young players also coming (onto) this level, it’s absolutely great for the sport." - Georgia coach Willy Sagnol
* "Today we could see that it is possible to play with every team, and it is possible to win. It doesn’t matter who your opponent is because there is no easy team at the European Championship." - Georgia forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
* "A few months ago we weren’t candidates (to win the title) and now we are favorites. But that doesn’t mean anything. We have always said that we were going to come here to win the European Championship, and that is our mentality." - Spain left back Alejandro Grimaldo
Spain will be the heavy favorites heading into the match, but Georgia has shown that they are capable of causing an upset. With a low block and quick counterattacks, Georgia will look to frustrate Spain and exploit any weaknesses in their defense. Spain, on the other hand, will need to be patient in their build-up play and find a way to break down Georgia's stubborn defense. The match promises to be an intriguing battle between two teams with very different styles of play.
