Spain v Georgia LIVE: Euro 2024 result as Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal inspire La Roja into quarter-finals
Spain 4-1 Georgia: La Roja turned on the style after falling behind to set up a mouthwatering quarter-final tie with hosts Germany
Stylish Spain recovered from the shock of conceding an early own goal to eventually overrun a tireless and spirited Georgia 4-1 and surge into a mouthwatering Euro 2024 quarter-final with Germany.
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.
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 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.
Follow all the latest updates from Cologne plus the result and reaction from Gelsenkirchen as England play Slovakia:
Spain 0-1 Georgia, 33 minutes
Georgia look like they might score every time they get the ball, strangely. Spain are being caught in transition with concerning regularity, Robin Le Normand doing rather well to prevent Khvicha Kvaratskhelia connecting with his strike partner in a two-on-two situation.
Spain 0-1 Georgia, 31 minutes
Spain have nine men in the Georgia half as they turnover the ball, allowing Georges Mikautadze to rumble up the right. He travels all the way into the Spain box and then takes a tumble after running aground. I don’t think he’s a thespian - a dramatic dive after very faint contact, which referee François Letexier gives short shrift.
Spain 0-1 Georgia, 29 minutes
Giorgi Kochorashvili slaps his hands in frustration as both he and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia shun shooting chances to instead search for a pass on a rare Georgian foray forard.
Spain 0-1 Georgia, 27 minutes
Zipped over the crossbar! Pedri picks a floating ball 25 yards out and takes it down beautifully, opening up his body to then unfurl a left-footed shot. Not far away at all!
Spain 0-1 Georgia, 26 minutes
A Rodri drive thuds into Guram Kashia’s thigh, the Georgia captain lifting his leg just in time with keeper Giorgi Mamardashvili scrambling (and probably struggling) behind him.
Spain 0-1 Georgia, 25 minutes
This atmosphere is wild - has to be up there with any of the best at the tournament. Spain are genuinely excellent but haven't turned their dominance into goals, but the Georgia fans cheer every challenge and counter-attack as loud as most nations cheers goals. When the ball rolled in off the defender, it was incredible - a ferocious and ecstatic roar. Georgia have something tangible to protect, to give them energy, as well as all that amazing backing from the stands.
Spain 0-1 Georgia, 23 minutes
Spain won’t panic, soon back in their passing flow. Lamine Yamal drops deeper trying to spark something, but runs into all three of Georgia’s central midfielders.
Spain 0-1 Georgia, 21 minutes
Spain can’t quite believe it. Georgia are yet to have a shot and have had 13% of possession.
GOAL! Spain 0-1 GEORGIA (Robin Le Normand own goal, 18 minutes)
WOULD YOU BELIEVE IT!
They’ve barely had a kick...but Georgia lead! Space opens up the right hand side and Georges Mikautadze is good enough to turn, find it and pick out Otar Kakabadze. The wing-back swings it into a dangerous area and Robin Le Normand inadvertently turns into his own net!
Spain 0-0 Georgia, 15 minutes
Khvicha Kvaratshkelia almost nips in as Aymeric Laporte and Marc Cucurella rat-a-tat around the back. The passing is precise and prompt enough to deny the forward a chance to pinch it, though. Spain have hardly made an error so far.
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