UEFA Euro 2024: Round of 16 – Spain vs Georgia

Spain look to avoid an embarrassing cupset against Georgia in the Round of 16 at UEFA Euro 2024.

Spain reached this stage as Group B winners with three wins from three games, whilst Georgia advanced as one of four best third-placed teams.

 

Team News

Spain have no fresh injury concerns to report after their 1-0 win over Albania, although Daniel Carvajal, Robin Le Normand and Daniel Vivian are at risk of suspension for the Quarter-Finals.

Georgia will be without midfielder, Anzor Mekvabishvili due to suspension.

Giorgi Gvelesiani, Guram Kashia, Giorgi Kochorashvili and Solomon Kverkvelia are at risk of missing the Quarter-Finals if any of them are booked here, and Georgia advance to the last eight.

 

When is Kick-Off?

Spain meet Georgia at RheinEnergieStadion, Cologne, at 9pm CEST (8pm UK Time) on Sunday 30 June, live on ITV1 in the UK.

 

Stat Attack

• This is Spain’s first meeting against Georgia at a major tournament.
• Including Qualifying, Georgia are yet to beat Spain at the European Championships during which they scored twice and conceded 10 goals in their two Qualifying clashes for this edition.
• In seven previous meetings between Spain and Georgia in all competitions, there has never been a draw.
• Rodri has completed more passes than any other Spain player at this tournament (150).
• Georges Mikautadze scored in all three of Georgia’s group matches (W1, D1, L1).

 

Prediction

After dominating Group B even if they narrowly beat a spirited Albanian team amidst squad rotation, Spain are rightly viewed as favourites in the top half of the knockout section because their attacking intensity and creative play makes them a difficult team to play against.

Georgia though should hold no fear after clinically beating Portugal in their last Group F match despite not many giving them a chance, and their ruthless fast-paced counter-attacks could be their best weapon if can defensively withstand the Spanish pressure.

I however do expect Spain to prevail but after unexpectedly losing to Russia and Morocco respectively in 2018 and 22 FIFA World Cups, it wouldn’t be a shock if they suffered another shock exit but I don’t see that happening in this scenario.

Prediction: Spain 2-0 Georgia

Result: Spain 4-1 Georgia