Spain's relentless pursuit of Euro 2024 glory reached new heights as they dispatched Georgia with a 4-1 victory in Stuttgart, securing their place in the semifinals. The win sets up a tantalizing clash against the tournament hosts, Germany, on Friday.
Game Highlights
The match didn’t start as planned for Spain. An own goal by Robin Le Normand gave Georgia an unexpected early lead, setting the stage for an intriguing encounter. However, Spain's response was swift and decisive. Rodri, who was later named Player of the Match by UEFA, leveled the score. Commenting on the pivotal role played by Rodri, Spain’s coach Luis de la Fuente noted, "Rodri is a computer who makes everyone else play."
Spain’s remaining goals flowed with impressive regularity, as Fabián Ruiz, Nico Williams, and Dani Olmo found the back of the net. Olmo’s precise finishing and Williams' dynamic play were standout features. For de la Fuente, it was a performance that showcased both the experience and the youthful exuberance within his squad. "We were calm at half-time, there was no anxiety and the players knew what was needed," he remarked. "With all respect to all the other national teams, we have the best team and the best players."
A New Record for Yamal
Among the standout performers was the prodigious Lamine Yamal. At just 16 years and 353 days old, Yamal became the youngest player ever to feature in the knockout rounds of a major tournament. His contribution wasn't confined to being merely a statistic, as he assisted in two goals, becoming the first European teenager to achieve such a feat since Cristiano Ronaldo at Euro 2004. The young talent’s performance drew praise from de la Fuente, although he tempered expectations by noting, "He played really well, but I think he can do much better. He likes to take risks, but maybe there are moments when a bit more calm is needed."
Georgia's Milestone
For Georgia, the match marked the end of a historic run. Despite being the lowest-ranked team in the competition, they reached the knockout stages in what was their first appearance in a major tournament. Under the stewardship of Willy Sagnol, Georgia displayed commendable spirit and determination. Sagnol, reflecting on their journey, said, "We are not disappointed but feel sad because we lost. I am sure in some days we will realize what we have done and happiness will come back quickly."
However, Sagnol expressed some frustration with the officiating during the match, particularly regarding an offside decision. "It was clearly offside. If [Netherlands defender] Denzel Dumfries is offside [against France] then that was 10 times more offside today," he argued. He continued to voice his concerns about the implementation of VAR, stating, "VAR is a fantastic evolution, but we don't use it properly. Players and staff don't understand anymore."
Preparing for Germany
As Spain now turns its focus towards Germany, the stakes couldn't be higher. The German team, known for its discipline and tactical organization, will present a formidable challenge. Despite this, the Spanish camp remains confident yet grounded. "With all respect, we have the best team and the best players. Does that mean we're going to win it? No, but we will fight for it," de la Fuente asserted.
Rodri echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the team's determination and focus. "Germany will be strong at home, but we aren't afraid. We must produce a good performance, but we are not here to play well or leave a good image, we are here to win with everything we have — that is the mentality of this team," he stated.
Spain’s passage to the semifinals has been characterized by a blend of experienced campaigners and emerging stars, producing a team balanced and prepared for the rigors of top-level competition. With four wins out of four matches, their momentum is undeniable. The impending battle against Germany promises to be a fascinating contest, one that will test Spain's mettle as they edge closer to Euro 2024 triumph.