• Sunday, 22 December 2024

Classy Spain end Georgia's dreams 4-1 to meet hosts Germany at Euros

Classy Spain end Georgia's dreams 4-1 to meet hosts Germany at Euros

Cologne, 1 July 2024 (dpa/MIA) - Spain overcame an early shock as they ended Georgia's Euro 2024 fairytale with a 4-1 statement victory on Sunday to set up a mouth-watering quarter-final date with hosts Germany.

Georgia took a shock lead in the 18th minute from an own goal by Robin Le Normand, but Rodri levelled in the 39th, Fabian Ruiz headed in for 2-1 in the 51st, Nico Williams smashed the third in the 75th, and Dani Olmo wrapped up matters in the 83rd.

The exciting Spanish team has impressed the most so far at the Euros, is the only one to win all four matches, and now run into hosts Germany on Friday in Stuttgart.

Spain have won two of the three previous meetings at the Euros with Germany, the last match their 1-0 in the 2008 final. The two sides drew 1-1 at the 2022 World Cup, and four years ago Spain thrashed Germany 6-0 in the Nations League.

Debutants Georgia had a strong tournament culminating in a 2-0 against Portugal that got them into the knock-outs but there was not another miracle on the night against Spain's flair, even though they gave their all once again.

Spain had also beaten Georgia 7-1 and 3-1 in qualifying last year.

Photo: UEFA EURO 2024