Fabian Ruiz and Nico Williams each produced a goal and assist as Spain came from behind to end Georgia’s run to the knockout stage of Uefa Euro 2024 in their first appearance at a major tournament.
Robin Le Normand turned in right-back Otar Kakabadze’s whipped cross in the 18th minute as the underdogs became the first team to score against Spain at the finals with their first real chance of the game in Cologne.
Manchester City midfielder Rodri, who had returned to the starting line-up following suspension, equalised six minutes before half-time, although Spain endured a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) check over a suspected Alvaro Morata offside.
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Georgia threatened to go ahead again in audacious style when star player Khvicha Kvaratskhelia almost scored from the halfway line shortly after the break, but Fabian Ruiz headed in Lamine Yamal’s cross in the 51st minute, Williams lashed in 15 minutes from time and Dani Olmo slotted in a fourth with nine minutes remaining.
Spain vs Georgia: Newcomers out
Georgia have been one of the stories of the tournament and held their own in a hugely entertaining, end-to-end first half which rattled a Spain side who had been in serene form.
Picture perfect 📸
What a touch and finish from Dani Olmo 🤩#Euro2024 | #ESPGEO pic.twitter.com/5833uUILJw
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 30, 2024
Spain see off Georgia
Goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili has performed spectacularly, and he was breathlessly busy again as Spain sent in the most shots during the first 30 minutes – 12 – on record at the finals.
Inspired by Yamal’s electric performance after the break, Spain eventually had too much, Ruiz nodding in the 16-year-old’s cross to put Luis de la Fuente’s players on their way to the final eight.
Not ones to exit with a whimper, Georgia continued to display their skill, speed and spirit to create openings, although they failed to achieve a shot on target against opponents they had lost 7-1 and 3-1 against in qualifying.
Spain piled on pressure but needed a rapid break to score their third, Fabian Ruiz setting up Williams for a terrific, emphatic finish.
Nico Williams with an absolute beauty 🤩
He has been brilliant this tournament so far 🌟#Euro2024 | #ESPGEO pic.twitter.com/npe7dEXHrH
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 30, 2024
Yamal was denied by Mamardashvili and fired a shot wide, then substitute Olmo showed classy technique and composure to whip in the fourth.
Euro 2024: Spain vs Germany
Germany may feel they have a blueprint to unsettle Spain on the basis of Georgia’s ambitious first-half display to trouble the three-time champions.
The hosts await De la Fuente’s side in Stuttgart on Friday (17:00 BST).
