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 0-0 Georgia, 12 minutes
Nothing is sticking for Georgia. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Georges Mikautadze are both trying their best to offer an option to hold it when those behind them clear long, but Spain are soon back in tempo, metronome Rodri keeping them ticking.
Spain 0-0 Georgia, 10 minutes
It feels like Georgia are already clinging on. Giorgi Mamardashvili manages to claw away before Guram Kashia throws a leg at the ball to complete the clearing job.
Spain 0-0 Georgia, 8 minutes
Marc Cucurella gets to the byline, underlapping and trying to force in a cross. A Georgian leg turns it behind.
Spain can’t make much of the corner.
Spain 0-0 Georgia, 7 minutes
Spain have started with all the ball as expected, but the vocal backing in the stadium is heavily skewed in Georgia's favour so far. They'll need that to keep pace with Spain's possession and movement - it's a raucous and excitable start here in Cologne and we look set for a tremendous match between sides who are as different in their tactics as they are with their footballing history.
Spain 0-0 Georgia, 4 minutes
Kept out! Giorgi Mamardashvili is down sharply to his right after Pedri toes goalwards on the slide.
Spain 0-0 Georgia, 3 minutes
Spain’s centre halves take up position beyond the halfway line, Georgia retreat into a low block. It feels like that may become a theme.
Spain 0-0 Georgia, 1 minute
Alvaro Morata introduces himself to the turf inside the Georgian penalty area, and turns briefly towards the referee, who waves away the tentative appeal.
KICK OFF!
We are underway in Cologne! Spain and Georgia, with Germany lying in wait.
Spain v Georgia - Euro 2024
Flags out. Euro banners on the pitch. We are rapidly closing in on kick-off time - and it’s national anthems next.
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