Euro 2024: Georgia prepare for uphill task against Spain, looking for another shock win

Euro 2024: Georgia prepare for uphill task against Spain, looking for another shock win

Eric Munene 09:15 - 30.06.2024

Georgia will be buoyed by their win against Portugal as they tackle Spain in the Euro 2024 Round of 16 encounter.

Euro 2024 reaches a thrilling juncture as Spain, unexpectedly dominant in the group stage, prepare to take on Georgia in the Round of 16 in Cologne.

La Roja defied expectations by topping the formidable 'group of death', which included Italy and Croatia, with a perfect record of three wins, notably achieving their first-ever major tournament group stage without conceding a goal.

Luis de la Fuente's squad now aims to maintain their impeccable form against Georgia, a team they have historically dominated in all six prior competitive meetings, scoring 19 goals while conceding only three.

Georgia, making their debut as an independent nation in a major tournament, have captured hearts with their spirited qualification to the knockout stage.

Willy Sagnol's men secured their historic advancement with a resounding 2-0 victory over Portugal, showcasing their resilience and ability to seize critical moments despite minimal possession.

Their remarkable defensive performance against Portugal, where they maintained a clean sheet with just 28 per cent possession, underscores their determination to defy the odds against Spain.

The clash in Cologne promises to be a test of contrasts: Spain's attacking prowess led by captain Alvaro Morata, who stands on the brink of moving up the all-time Euros scoring chart, against Georgia's disciplined defensive strategy anchored by goalkeeper Georges Mikautadze, who has impressed with his scoring prowess in all three group matches.

As Spain navigate a challenging path that includes potential encounters with powerhouse nations like Germany, Portugal, and France in the later stages, their immediate focus is on overcoming Georgia's resilient challenge.

With both teams aiming to extend their Euro 2024 journey and make a significant impact, the stage is set for a compelling battle of skill, strategy, and determination in the knockout phase.