Spain vs Georgia: Preview, predictions and lineups
The team of the group stage face the story of the group stage on Sunday night as Spain and Georgia meet in the round of 16 at Euro 2024.
Georgia required a mini-miracle to advance into the knockouts heading into Matchday 3 having recorded just a point from their opening two games. However, they benefitted from Roberto Martinez heavily rotating his Portugal team and set themselves up for victory after the majestic Kvicha Kvaratskhelia opened his account for the tournament within two minutes.
The similarly impressive Georges Mikautadze then took the outright lead in the Golden Boot race with another smartly-taken penalty to double Georgia’s lead, and Willy Sagnol’s side clung on to complete the biggest upset, in terms of FIFA rankings differential, in the competition’s history.
An even tougher test lies ahead in the form of Luis de la Fuente’s Spain, whom they faced in qualifying, but this Georgia side have no reason to fear anything.
Spain were the standout outfit of the group stage having won a tough Group B without breaking a sweat. Croatia and Italy were cast aside with little hassle before a much-changed team overcame Albania 1-0 to conclude the first round.
With the likes of France, Portugal, and Germany on their side of the draw, the three-time European champions will have to run the gauntlet to claim their fourth European title.
Here’s 90min’s preview of Spain’s clash with Georgia in the round of 16 at Euro 2024.
Spain vs Georgia H2H Record (Last Five Games)
Current form (all competitions)
|
Spain |
Georgia |
|---|---|
|
Albania 0-1 Spain – 24/06/24 |
Georgia 2-0 Portugal – 26/06/24 |
|
Spain 1-0 Italy – 20/06/24 |
Georgia 1-1 Czechia – 22/06/24 |
|
Spain 3-0 Croatia – 15/06/24 |
Turkey 3-1 Georgia – 18/06/24 |
|
Spain 5-1 Northern Ireland – 08/06/24 |
Montenegro 1-3 Georgia – 09/06/24 |
|
Spain 5-0 Andorra – 05/06/24 |
Georgia 0-0 (4-2p) Greece – 26/03/24 |
|
Country |
TV channel/live stream |
|---|---|
|
United Kingdom |
ITV1, ITVX, STV, STV Player |
|
United States |
fuboTV, Sling, Foxsports.com, ViX, FOX Sports App, FOX Network, SiriusXM FC |
|
Canada |
CTV App, TVA+, TSN4, TVA Sports, CTV, TSN1 |
De la Fuente rung the changes on Matchday 3 against Albania with Spain having secured top spot in Group B following back-to-back victories.
Aymeric Laporte, who was an injury doubt coming into the tournament, was the only player who kept his place from the 1-0 win over Italy. The former Manchester City defender should continue in the side on Sunday.
Rodri handily served his one-game suspension last time out and is once again available. Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams will flank Alvaro Morata in the Spanish frontline.
Spain predicted lineup (4-3-3): Simon; Carvajal, Laporte, Le Normand, Cucurella; Rodri, Pedri, Fabian; Yamal, Morata, Williams.
Anzor Mekvabishvili came off the bench against Portugal and picked up his second yellow card of the tournament, meaning he’s suspended for Sunday’s round of 16 clash.
The midfielder’s absence won’t chance Sagnol’s plans for his starting XI.
Georgia will likely be unchanged from their unforgettable Matchday 3 win. Kvicha Kvaratskhelia and Euro 2024 top scorer Georges Mikautadze will continue to work in tandem on the counter-attack.
Georgia predicted lineup (5-3-2): Mamardashvili; Kakabadze, Kashia, Dvali, Lochoshvili; Chakvetadze, Kiteishvili, Kochorashvili; Mikautadze, Kvaratskhelia.
Spain twice overcame Georgia in qualifying, even toppling their round of 16 opponents 7-1 away from home last September. However, we shouldn’t read much into previous results. Sunday’s game will be a different kettle of fish.
Sagnol’s history-makers can certainly give this superb Spanish team a few headaches. Their 5-3-2 is diligent, compact, and they’re aggressive when they need to be. Spain should have the majority of the game, but De la Fuente’s side have gotten used to surrendering control and exploiting space in transition.
Thus, Spain will have to revert to their vintage principles to win on Sunday. They’ll have to be patient and ensure their structure is sound to prevent the Georgian live wires from wreaking havoc. Kvaratskhelia’s arrival on Matchday 3 will be of concern, that’s for sure.
However, Georgia’s big moment this summer may have already arrived. With Spain well-rested, it’ll be an almighty ask to pull off another major upset on Sunday.