Tournament newcomers Georgia became the first team to score against Spain at Uefa Euro 2024 as Robin Le Normand scored an own goal to give the huge underdogs the lead in the round of 16.
Defender Le Normand turned in right-back Otar Kakabadze’s whipped cross in the 18th minute as Georgia’s increasingly remarkable start to their first major finals continued in Cologne.
The dream continues for Georgia 🤩🇬🇪
The debutants take the lead against Spain… 👀#Euro2024 | #ESPGEO pic.twitter.com/kWIZTcKgmI
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 30, 2024
La Roja won all three of their group-stage matches, beating Croatia 3-0 in their opener before 1-0 victories over holders Italy and Albania.
Georgia secured four points, signing off from the group stage in style by beating 2016 champions Portugal 2-0. The winners of Spain vs Georgia will face Germany in the quarter-finals in Stuttgart on July 5.
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Spain own goal vs Georgia: Roja recover
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.
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.
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.
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Euro 2024: Georgia goalkeeper shines
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.
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
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.
Yamal was denied by Mamardashvili and fired a shot wide, then substitute Olmo showed classy technique and composure to whip in the fourth.
