da jogodeouro： After falling behind early on, Luis de la Fuente's side battled back as the Manchester City midfielder led from the front in Cologne
da dobrowin： A Rodri-inspired Spain overcame an early scare to romp to a 4-1 win over a plucky Georgia to reach the quarter-finals of Euro 2024, where they will take on hosts Germany in a mouth-watering clash between two of the tournament favourites.
For 17 of the first 18 minutes in Cologne, Spain had nearly 90 percent possession and put relentless pressure on Georgia; but one breakaway attack later, Robin Le Normand put the ball into his own net after a wicked cross into the six-yard box by Otar Kakabadze.
The Georgians looked so threatening on the counter-attack, and just when it looked like it could be one of those days for Spain, talisman Rodri guided a superb strike into the bottom corner six minutes before the break.
Georgia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili repeatedly kept Spain at bay until Lamine Yamal's inch-perfect cross was headed in by Fabian Ruiz in the 51st minute, and Nico Williams' terrific run and finish in the 75th minute put the contest beyond doubt before substitute Dani Olmo stroked in a fourth seven minutes from time.
GOAL rates Spain's players from RheinEnergieStadion…
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Unai Simon (6/10):
Nothing he could do about Le Normand's own goal but wasn't really tested on the night.
Dani Carvajal (6/10):
Had his hands full with the irrepressible Kvaratskhelia and came off second-best against the flying winger.
Robin Le Normand (5/10):
Failed to deal with Kakabadze's fizzing cross and the ball squirmed off him and into his own net. His place could be under threat for the quarter-finals.
Aymeric Laporte (7/10):
Of the two centre-backs, he looked the more dependable one. Showed his experience when it was required.
Marc Cucurella (8/10):
Chelsea must be thinking, 'Where has this player been?'. In attack and defence, the left-back looked impressive.
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Pedri (6/10):
Started with some neat touches and flicks but went into his shell for a while after Georgia's opener. Was hooked not long after the break after a subpar display.
Rodri (8/10):
When players needed to stand up and be counted, the Manchester City man delivered the goods with an excellent finish into the corner. A towering display in midfield.
Fabian Ruiz (7/10):
Like much of his team-mates, began brightly but then was somewhat cowed by going behind. However, he was in the right place at the right time to head in Yamal's beautiful delivery.
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Lamine Yamal (7/10):
After a relatively quiet first half by his standards, the 16-year-old burst into life with a magical assist for Spain's second. Should have grabbed at least one goal on a night that would have been a good learning experience for the Barcelona star.
Alvaro Morata (5/10):
Question marks may be asked over why this man is Spain's captain. The striker didn't offer a great deal up front.
Nico Williams (7/10):
At times, he looked unplayable, but when Spain conceded, the winger appeared seemed a bit predictable. After looking quiet for long periods, Williams scored a goal of individual brilliance to seal the win. Towards the end, he was a joy to watch.
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Dani Olmo (8/10):
His passes in the final third were a delight and got a deserved goal late on. Putting his hand up to start the next game.
Alejandro Grimaldo (7/10):
Provided a bit more of an attacking threat down the left in a wing-back role.
Mikel Oyarzabal (6/10):
Didn't do a great deal when introduced.
Jesus Navas (7/10):
Nearly grabbed an assist at the death as he continues to show that age is just a number.
Mikel Merino (N/A):
On to give Rodri a late rest.
Luis de la Fuente (7/10):
His team were stung by conceding first, but they kept their cool, continued playing the same way, and got a crucial goal before half-time. This was their toughest game of the tournament and they did well to overcome this banana skin. De la Fuente's substitutes also helped give Spain extra control and go onto win comfortably.