COLOGNE, Germany, June 30 (Reuters) - Stylish Spain recovered from the shock of conceding an early own goal to eventually overrun a tireless and spirited Georgia 4-1 on Sunday and surge into a mouth-watering Euro 2024 quarter-final with Germany.
Spain overcome early Georgia scare with 4-1 victory to advance in Euro 2024
After withstanding a near-constant early assault, with outstanding keeper Giorgi Mamardashvili making several good saves, Georgia stunned the crowd by taking the lead with their first attack after 18 minutes when Otar Kakabadze’s fizzing cross was diverted into his own net by the chest of Spain's Robin Le Normand.
GEORGIA STRIKES FIRST VS SPAIN pic.twitter.com/Wj8sZdfqea
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 30, 2024
The Spaniards levelled the last-16 contest through Rodri from the edge of the box in the 39th minute and, after Khvicha Kvaratskhelia almost scored a stunning second from near the halfway line for the tournament outsiders, Fabian Ruiz headed Spain ahead six minutes into the second half.
SPAIN FINDS THE EQUALIZER
Rodri wasn't missing this one pic.twitter.com/cAtXOoOsT4— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 30, 2024
OH MY WORD
GEORGIA ALMOST PULLS THIS OFF FROM BEYOND MIDFIELD pic.twitter.com/TSuSn4eElX— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 30, 2024
SPAIN TAKES THE LEAD
Lamine Yamal sets up Fabián Ruiz with a beautiful assist pic.twitter.com/V1wmDSr5bK— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 30, 2024
Spain continued to press and probe but the Georgians ran themselves ragged to keep them at bay until Nico Williams finally broke clear to slam in the third, with Dani Olmo neatly tucking home the fourth goal seven minutes from time to secure their fourth win of the tournament.
NICO WILLIAMS MAKES IT THREE FOR SPAIN pic.twitter.com/WGoOGtH8NB
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 30, 2024
DANI. OLMO.
Spain is running away with it vs Georgia pic.twitter.com/YaL4Vm0zwK— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 30, 2024
(Reporting by Mitch Phillips; Editing by Ken Ferris)