Spain - Georgia: summary, score, goals, highlights Euro 2024
Spain vs Georgia: as it happened
Thank you for joining me for our live coverage and we'll be back soon with more as the competition heats up.
Dominant Spain end Georgian dream
The match report is as predictable as the result, with one little twist. Across the 90 minutes, Spain controlled possession, created multiple chances (35 is not often achieved), entertained with skill and creativity. Four goals – Rodri, Ruiz, Williams and Olmo – showcased once again the threat variety that the team carries. Everything went to plan.
OK, that's the predictable part.
The one twist was that Georgia scored first, and made everyone else sit up and take notice. It came from the team's first break and before the leveller kept an intriguing risk aspect to the game, with further counters looking promising.
When Rodri did score, a sense of reality returned and De La Fuente can go into the game against Germany with the utmost confidence. Yes, it will be the toughest game so far, but the host nation cannot be pleased the draw has handed them Williams and Yamal on the wings to face this early.
The winner of this quarter final will certainly be eyeing the title, and my money remains on La Roja. They are a bit special.
The mouthwatering clash that has now been set up is Germany vs Spain on Friday 5 July. Arguably they are the two best teams that we've seen so far in the tournament so it feels a bit unfair that we'll lose one so early.
But that's how it falls.
Quarter finals await
Another comeback and Spain's men are through.
Cargando...
Spain in control
The guys at sofascore didn't take long to get their stats out and, as you can see, it was as dominant as it felt to us watching.
Cargando...
Peep, peep, peeeeep! It's all over and Spain rightly take their place in the quarter finals.
Concern in the Spanish camp as Williams stays down, seemingly in pain. He gets up after a minute though and sighs of relief ring out.
Yamal loves playing sexy football and what a joy to watch him. Some tasty skills there must have Barça (and La Roja) fans licking their lips at what is ahead.
Three minutes of unnecessary play to be added.
Kvaratskhelia tries in vain to carry the ball and his teammates forward. He wins a corner but nothing comes from it.
The final whistle hasn't blown but we know that Spain are now preparing for hosts Germany in the quarter finals.
The game may be over but these Spanish player want more. Nico sprints away with the ball through the middle of the park leaving defenders in his wake. There was a sense he may try to better his previous goal but lays it off and the cross that follows is too strong.
GOAL!! Olmo makes it four.
This is just delightful stuff. Dani Olmo makes it look so simple, controlling on the edge of the Georgian area, with it making an instant shot possible, and strokes home past a helpless Mamardashvili.
The Williams goal has just added more confidence to this already rather comfortable Spanish team.
Yamal almost added a goal to his earlier assist after playing a neat one-two to take him in front of Mamardashvili but the dink over hits the keeper in the chest and goes out for a corner.
That kid is special. Don't get bored of hearing that.
Nico rocket
GOOOAALL!! This time it counts!
That was stunning from Nico Williams. Georgia had pushed a few more players forward looking for the leveller and, as a result, allowed the Spanish winger to collect and run at the remaining players. He jinked inside and let rip, firing high into the net. Lovely stuff.
GOOAA... no!! It's offside
Lovely play, Yamal in, cross goes in off defender but the teenager was an inch offside.
Solid control for Spain. I know I said it before Georgia's opening goal but it feels only a matter of time before the lead grows here.
Davitashvili into the book. A blatant kick at Dani Olmo's leg takes him out. The ref even did the whole 'pointy eye' thing to say "don't waste my time arguing, I saw exactly what you did."
There we go again. A chance appears for Georgia to hit on the break and they do so at pace. Tsitaishvili down the inside left channel sprints away and has a choice to cross or shoot from a tight angle.
He goes for the latter. He may now regret that.
Multiple substitutions taking place for both teams. Just click on the 'line-ups' tab above and you'll get all the details.
Lamine goes close
What a chance! A loose pass inside their own box lands at the feet of Yamal. He controls and picks his spot... but poorly as it's the wrong side of the left upright. Should have scored.
A little reminder there that the counter is still a threat for the Georgians. Le Normand's tidy poke tackle ensures it comes to nothing but Spain certainly happy to keep plenty of open grass in behind.
You'll be unsurprised to learn that Spain continue to dominate possession. I'd have thought that they may have aimed to draw Georgia out more but getting forward is their style.
Another Yamal record
Just a word of note, Lamine Yamal can add 'youngest player to get assist at Euros knockout stage' to his list.
Often in these types of games, they can be quite dull if the 'big' team doesn't take the lead and force the other side to attack.
This has been far from boring but now that we are in that situation it will be interesting to see if excitement levels go up another notch.
GOAL!! Fabian heads Spain ahead
The move initially started with a Yamal freekick which was punched away well by the busy Mamardashvili. The resultant switch of play then cross by the Barça teenager found Ruiz at the back post unmarked and he made no mistake.
A mad couple of minutes here. First a decent counter from Georgia is cancelled out but then, again starting from Spanish attacking play on the edge of the box, Kvaratskhelia breaks and shoots from inside his own half.
Simon has a habit of going wandering when Spain have the ball, and must have been relieved to see that slide just wide of the post.
Less than 30 seconds from the whistle and Spain win the ball back and create a shooting chance for Morata from around 20 yards. He makes a poor connection and wastes it.
Second half begins
Georgia kick off
Players are out. Let's see if there is any change to the flow.
Spain 1-1 Georgia: half-time assessment
Well, while Slovakia were well worth their lead against England, no one could really argue that Georgia were in this one based on the balance of play. But that's what we love about this game: predictable it is not.
Hard work and good organisation had Willy Sagnol's men holding a dominant Spain to shots from distance and the occasional cross from, notably, Williams, Yamal and Carvajal. Throwing bodies on the line was working against a supremely talented Iberian side.
Then the miracle came.
Georgia taking the lead hadn't even been flirted with by that point. It wasn't that they were getting chances to hit on the counter, but that first one proved successful so more followed, each of them with a strong hint of danger. Spain survived them comfortably enough, while continuing with their game plan. You don't fix something that isn't broken.
And so the deserved leveller came, from the boot of Rodri at the edge of the box.
Peeep! The whistle blows and the players head in for some oranges and advice.
Spain still pushing; Georgia still keeping it tight. A late succession of corners has De La Fuente's half-time talk focus in doubt.
We're going to have just a couple of minutes of added time.
Take note. As we near half-time, Fabian Ruiz has just played Spain's first misplaced pass.
Quick VAR check suggests that although Morata was offside, he was not interfering with Mamardashvili's view. Sensible decision to let the goal stand.
GOAL!! Rodri ties it up
It was yet another strike from outside the area – Georgia making it tough to get behind – and this one from the Man City midfielder sneaks in at the post. Completely deserved.
Cucurella gets in on the act – because who needs defenders at the back, right? It's a powerful strike from just outside the penalty box but Mamardashvili flies to his left and pushes the ball away to safety with both hands.
Another speedy break from the underdogs: this time Mikautadze at full tilt.
He's surrounded by red shirts though and can't get the shot or pass away. Spain vulnerable given that they are mainly camped at the other end.
Kochorashvili is finally smothered out but it was from another really positive Georgian break. The expected pattern of this game is being lived... and the counter, although rare, looks dangerous every time.
Pedri the latest in red to have a go, from just on the edge of the area. He catches it cleanly enough but it flies over the bar.
Given the quality that the Barça star has, he'll be really disappointed with that, especially given the time he had to pick his spot.
Interesting to see if De La Fuente tries to tweak the current focus given the goal against. It's unlikely given the dominance his team have shown thus far, and chances are certainly dropping.
Good save from Mamardashvili who denies Fabian Ruiz.
Spain will be keen to cancel out the hope that has the team in white rather bouyant at the moment.
We're back with complete Spanish dominance but no doubt the confident swagger is slightly more measured given what just happened. Georgian fans are incredibly loud every time their boys have the ball.
Georgia stun Spain
GOAL!!! Incredibly... Georgia have taken the lead.
It's a break that sees Le Normand turn in Kakabadze's cross into his own net under pressure from Kvaratskhelia. Could not see that coming.
Fabian fires
Cargando...
Best chance of the game, but Fabian Ruiz fails to finish from close range. It's one-way traffic and feels like only a matter of time before the breakthrough is made.
Georgia get a bit of a breather as they break down towards Simon's penalty area but it doesn't last and we're building again at the other end.
Five minutes in and my neck is firmly looking to the left as Spain dominate the territory.
Williams from the left, then Carvajal from the right. Two lovely low deliveries have the defence worried, the latter allowing Pedri to poke an effort on target but without enough power to beat Mamardashvili.
Another chance opens up for the Spanish, this time Ruiz getting a shot away. The Georgians are throwing bodies to block, and effectively for now.
Those early touches around the back, well, the middle of the park, are, as De La Fuente likes, then used to free Williams down the right and on the back of that a chance is created.
Georgia clear but that was an example of Spain's slow, slow, quick.
Peeeep! Game on
Spain get the ball rolling and it's an immediate touch fest for the men at the back, easing their way into the game.
OK, it's almost time.
Anthems: Spain
We love a bit of the Spanish anthem, "La Marcha Real". Unlike most anthems, Spain’s is unique because it doesn’t have any lyrics.
The tune alone carries centuries of history and pride, and the fans know every note by heart.
This wordless anthem allows for a different kind of expression. Instead of singing, the Spanish supporters wave their flags more vigorously, their faces beaming with national pride and hum like mad.
Anthems: Georgia up first "Tavisupleba"
Georgia belt out their stirring national anthem, "Tavisupleba," which translates to "Freedom." This anthem is not just a song but a powerful symbol of national identity and unity, resonating deeply with both the players and fans.
Written by poet David Magradze and composed by Zakaria Paliashvili, "Tavisupleba" was adopted in 2004, marking a new chapter in Georgia's history. Its lyrics speak of freedom and the nation's spirit, a fitting tribute to a country that has overcome numerous challenges to stand proud on the international stage.
The anthem's melody is both haunting and uplifting, capturing the essence of Georgian culture and resilience. The lyrics begin with a call to unity and freedom:
"While there is a nation, Georgia's call will echo."
In the stadium, you can see the pride in the faces of the Georgian supporters. They sing every word with passion, their voices rising in unison. The anthem encapsulates their journey, their struggles, and their hopes, making this moment more than just a routine part of the pre-match protocol.
The anthem's finale is particularly stirring, as it speaks of peace and prosperity for Georgia, a heartfelt wish that resonates with everyone present:
"Long live and bless The liberty and independence of Georgia."
"Tavisupleba" is a testament to Georgia's spirit and determination. As it echoes through the Cologne Stadium tonight, it serves as a powerful reminder of the unity and pride that fuels this underdog.
Tunnel time
The players are in the tunnel and looking focused. Given that England have sneaked past Slovakia, Spain know that nothing is guaranteed in knockout football.
Father-son moment
Unai Simon may be in Germany but this embrace ahead of the game is something that must feel like a touch of the Basque Country. Lovely to see.
Cargando...
Officiating Spain vs Georgia
Tonight’s officials hail from France, and there's plenty experience out there. The team consists of:
Referee: François Letexier
Assistant Referees: Cyril Mugnier, Mehdi Rahmouni
VAR: Jérôme Brisard
Assistant VARs: Willy Delajod, Paolo Valeri
Fourth Official: Serdar Gözübüyük (NED)
François Letexier has overseen several high-profile matches in European competitions. You may remember him from the Real Madrid-Manchester City clash, in the first leg of the Champions League quarter finals this past season.
The 34-year-old Letexier is generally found in charge of Ligue 1 games in his native country and was whistling at the French Cup final in 2021 between PSG and Monaco.
Players to watch
Several players could be pivotal tonight.
For Spain, Álvaro Morata has been in decent form, notably scoring a hat-trick in their last qualifying match against Georgia. His poacher's instincts and aerial ability will likely be a constant threat, as the more talented players around him do their magic.
Georgia’s hopes most probably rest heavily on Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Known for his dribbling skills and speed, he was instrumental in their incredible 2-0 win over Portugal. His partnership with tournament joint top scorer Georges Mikautadze, who has been clinical in front of goal, will be crucial for Georgia’s chances.
Nico magic
One player that has caught the eye in the tournament to date has been Nico Williams who hugs the left wing but is happy to move around and links well with his teammates, switching as required to keep opposition defenders guessing who to mark.
Here SmarterScout shares some analysis of the winger that has the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal and Newcastle keeping tabs.
Cargando...
Fans gathering
The atmosphere inside and outside the Cologne Stadium is building up as fans from both nations gather in full voice. Spanish fans, adorned in red and yellow, are confident and buoyant, while Georgian supporters, draped in white and red, are hopeful and excited.
The energy and passion are palpable. I've got a feeling like this could be a special night.
What the managers say
"Spain are the best team in the competition so far, but anything can happen. It’s impossible to succeed if you only think about how to defend. We want to show that we can perform as we did against Portugal. It was a very emotional moment to go through because we did the unexpected. We are very happy. Spain have had more time to recover, but it’s OK – I’m sure my players are well recovered and excited to get on the pitch."
What the managers say
We have massive respect for Georgia. They have had a brilliant tournament and we need to be at our best to progress. I know Georgian football really well and I’ve seen the evolution in their players and the way they play in different leagues in Europe.
We simply have to do what we always try to do – produce the best version of ourselves.
Jumping back to the confirmed team news, there's no surprise to see De La Fuente make 10 changes after rotation was used for game three in the group (with nothing riding on it for them). Only Laporte plays again.
Just as unsurprisingly, Georgia are unchanged from that Portugal win.
Just under an hour till kick off now. In case you were wondering, today's other game has gone to extra-time.
England were trailing for much of regular time but a Jude Bellingham injury-time overhead kick leveled things up (many would say undeservedly so). And then no sooner than the first period of extra time had begun, Harry Kane headed in to give England a 2-1 lead.
I'll update you later on how it goes.
Starting XI: Georgia
Mamardashvili; Gvelesiani, Kashia, Dvali; Kakabadze, Chakvetadze, Kiteishvili, Kochorashvili, Lochoshvili; Mikautadze, Kvaratskhelia
Cargando...
Starting XI: Spain
Simon; Carvajal, Le Normand, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Pedri, Fabian Ruiz; Yamal, Williams, Morata
Cargando...
Team news is in so let's take a look at the line-ups...
Spain vs Georgia: expected styles
Spain are expected to dominate possession, with their slick passing and movement designed to pull Georgia’s defense out of shape. The trio of Pedri, Rodri, and Fabián Ruiz in midfield will look to control the tempo and create opportunities for the front three.
Georgia, on the other hand, will likely adopt a defensive stance, relying on their 5-3-2 formation to stay compact and frustrate Spain. Their main threat will come from quick transitions, using the pace and skill of Kvaratskhelia and Mikautadze to exploit any gaps left by the Spanish defense. It promises to be a fascinating tactical battle.
I'll do my best to paint pictures of what is happening during the game but clearly there is a chance that you'll want little pixels dancing across another part of your screen so here's a guide on how you can watch the action.
Spanish kids
It's worth remembering that Spanish coach Luis de la Fuente has been working with a talented group of players, both experienced and young.
In fact, there can't be too many years between some of the stars and the mascots that stroll out with them in a short while.
Cargando...
Spain vs Georgia: previous meeting
The last encounter between these two teams was during the Euro 2024 qualifiers in November 2023, where Spain secured a 3-1 victory.
Spain dominated the match, but Georgia managed to put up a fight, scoring a goal through Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. While the odds are fairly clear on this result, knockout games in tournaments like these can often defy expectations.
Georgia will be hoping to rewrite the script tonight.
How they got here: Georgia surprise
Can you believe that some Euro 24 sweep organisers left out Georgia as one of the 'no chance' teams competing in the competition? (Yes, I may not live that down if they go on to do a Greece.)
The former Soviet republic's journey has been nothing short of miraculous. Heading into Matchday 3 with just one point, they needed a victory against Portugal to advance. Against all odds, they managed a 2-0 win, with Kvaratskhelia and Mikautadze scoring. Their progression is a testament to their fighting spirit and tactical discipline.
Georgia’s debut in the knockouts is a historic moment for the nation, and they will look to continue their fairytale run against the mighty Spain.
How they got here: Spain impress
Spain have been dominant in this tournament to far and have picked up a few extra fans along the way with their exciting style and individuals.
They won all three group games without conceding a goal, defeating Croatia 3-0, Italy 1-0 (arguably the performance of the tournament so far) and Albania 1-0: defensively solid and flowing attacking vibrancy.
In Spain they are whispering "si, podemos" but can they? They have a tough route to the final.
Before getting any further into our target game for today, it's worth a quick reminder of how the knockout stages of Euro 24 are shaping up.
Germany and Switzerland are already into the quarter finals after their respective wins on Saturday, and England or Slovakia will have secured a place by the time we kick off in Cologne.
Our Roddy pulled together this handy summary of what's what.
Who is playing for Spain and Georgia?
We don't yet have the all important team news but here's how I think they'll be lining up from the start:
Spain: Unai Simón; Carvajal, Le Normand, Nacho, Cucurella; Pedri, Rodri, Fabián Ruiz; Yamal, Morata, Williams.
Georgia: Mamardashvili; Tsitaishvili, Dvali, Kashia, Kverkvelia, Kakabadze; Kochorashvili, Kiteishvili, Chakvetadze; Kvaratskhelia, Mikautadze.
In a short while we'll be able to check to see how close that is.
Spain vs Georgia: welcome
Hola. Gamarjoba. Hello.
Welcome to our live blog for the UEFA Euro 2024 round of 16 clash between Spain and Georgia which, for the avoidance of doubt, will mainly be in English! Although I'll maybe throw in a few words to make fans of our competing teams feel at home.
We are less than two hours away from kick-off here at the Cologne Stadium and I'll be bringing you a selection of updates as we build up to what could be a very enjoyable game.
Team news will be with us soon so let's get going...