Spain vs. Georgia

Introduction

Spain will take on Georgia in the round of 16 at the Cologne stadium on Sunday. Spain qualified as the Group B leader. They are the only team in Germany with a 100% winning record without conceding a goal yet. Meanwhile, Georgia progressed after their stunning victory against one of the tournament’s favorites, Portugal. Will Georgia cause another upset? Let’s preview this encounter.

About the game

Spain’s Performance

Spain is the only team to win all its games before its last-16 match against Georgia, and it hasn’t conceded a goal. Thanks to Ferran Torres ‘ early goal, La Roja finished its group stage with a 1-0 win over Albania. Despite its strong form, Spain’s knockout stage record from recent tournaments has been shaky. They suffered last-16 exits in the 2018 and 2022 World Cups and a Euro 2020 semi-final loss. All of those exits have come after losing on penalties.

Georgia’s Performance

Georgia’s strong Group F performances should give them confidence against three-time European Champion Spain. Their lone victory in the group came against Portugal in the final rounds of group-stage fixtures. Before that game, they lost to Turkey and drew the Czech Republic. A win would make them the fourth team to reach the quarter-finals on their Euros debut. They need to upset the odds to keep their Euro 2024 fairytale alive.

Head-to-Head History

This marks Spain’s eighth encounter with Georgia but their first in a major tournament. La Roja have won six of their seven matches against Georgia since 2012. In qualifying for this tournament, Spain defeated Georgia with an aggregate score of 10-2 (7-1 away, 3-1 home). However, Georgia’s tournament form might pose a tougher challenge.

Key Players to Watch

The Spanish attacking trident, featuring Lamine Yamal, Alvaro Morata, and Nico Williams, will lead the charge in securing victory in this contest. Rodri, who has served his yellow card suspension, will also be available to anchor Spain’s midfield.

Valencia’s Giorgi Mamardashvili, Georgia’s goalkeeper, has impressively blocked 16 of the 17 on-target shots at Euro 2024. His role will be vital in the upcoming match. Napoli’s Kvaratskhelia is another top player for the Georgians.  In their last game, he dominated Portugal’s defense, scoring high values in shots, on-target shots, and box touches. He will be crucial for Georgia’s attack.

Possible Team Lineups and Changes

Following a trial run against Albania, Luis de la Fuente’s Spanish lineup is expected to revert to familiar faces this weekend. Rodri, Manchester City’s midfielder, returns post-suspension, joining other key players. Nacho and Ayoze Perez, however, must clear fitness checks after previous injuries, although no fresh concerns have been raised. Despite Dani Olmo’s stellar first start at Euro 2024, assisting Ferran Torres’ lone goal, neither is likely to open Sunday’s game. Instead, young aces Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams will likely back captain Alvaro Morata. 

Georgia faces a lineup shuffle without Anzor Mekvabishvili due to suspension. Solomon Kvirkvelia is likely to replace him. Coach Sagnol favors a 5-3-2 formation, with Kvaratskhelia and tournament top scorer Mikautadze leading the attack. The impressive Mamardashvili continues as the goalkeeper, anchoring the team’s strategy for the match.

Spain vs. Georgia Betting Odds and Predictions

Georgia has been the surprise team so far and they have given a good account for themselves. Spain on the other have been outstanding and their past meeting has produced plenty goals. This won’t be any different. This should be an easy win for Spain with at least three goals. 

The Best Betting Odds