Georgia looking to upset Spain in Euro 2024 round-of-16 clash.
Spain, boasting a flawless group stage, faces European Championship debutants Georgia who are eager to build on their stunning victory over Portugal, in a thrilling round of sixteen clash at the RheinEnergieStadion.
Spain
Three-time European champions Spain stormed through the group stage, winning all three games to finish top of Group B with nine points. Despite resting a handful of key players in the final group game against Albania, Luis de la Fuente’s side managed to secure a 1-0 win, courtesy of a goal from Ferran Torres in the 13th minute.
After the win, Spain became the only side with a 100% record in the group stage. La Roja will now face Georgia in the round of sixteen, hoping to continue with the impressive record and make it to the quarterfinals. However, Spain have failed to progress past the round of sixteen in three of their last four appearances in major tournaments.
This will be the eighth meeting between both teams in all competitions, with the most recent coming in the qualifying round. Spain won both games by an aggregate scoreline of 10-2, winning 7-1 away and 3-1 at home. 'We’ve faced Georgia several times and noticed that the performance level keeps going up,' Luis de la Fuente said.
'In order to win this game and go through, we have to produce our best version,' he added. The 63-year-old manager is expected to field his strongest lineup, having rested key players on Day 3. Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, and Álvaro Morata are anticipated to lead the attack in his familiar 4-3-3 formation.
Georgia
European Championship debutants Georgia surprised onlookers with a stunning 2-0 win over Portugal on Match Day 3. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia's early strike [2’] and Georges Mikautadze’s goal [57’ P.] from the penalty spot secured Willy Sagnol’s side their first-ever win in the competition.
Following the historic victory, Georgia finished as one of the best four third-placed teams with four points. They will be looking to upset the apple cart once again when they face Spain on Saturday. "For sure, we're going to fight to the last minute, as we have done since the beginning of the competition," Sagnol said.
A 5—3—2 formation, as seen against Portugal, is expected, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia alongside the tournament’s leading goal scorer, Georges Mikautadze, who has three goals, in attack. Meanwhile, Anzor Mekvabishvili is ruled out due to a suspension following a yellow card against Portugal.
Team form
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Team Comparison
Side-by-side assessment of team statistics, including goals, attacks, and more. This allows you to directly compare key performance metrics. Analyzing these stats can reveal patterns and strengths that might influence the outcome.