Spain's football prowess was on full display as they stormed past Georgia with a convincing 4-1 victory in the Euro 2024 quarterfinals held in Stuttgart. In a match that had its share of drama and excitement, Spain showcased both their young talents and seasoned veterans as they set their sights on the semifinals against tournament hosts Germany.
A Match of Dominance and Resilience
The match began with a surprising twist when Spain's Robin Le Normand scored an own goal, giving Georgia an early and unexpected lead. However, Spain's composure was unwavering. "We were calm at half-time, there was no anxiety and the players knew what was needed," said Spain's coach Luis de la Fuente. He added, "And then we have Rodri, who is a computer who makes everyone else play."
Rodri's equalizing goal revitalized the Spanish side. Recognizing his impact, UEFA named Rodri the Player of the Match. The midfielder’s control and precision were instrumental, prompting De la Fuente to commend his ability to manage emotions and critical moments on the pitch. "He managed all the emotions and all the moments perfectly, which is a big help for everyone," the coach noted.
A Display of Young Talent
Spain's scoring spree did not stop with Rodri. Fabián Ruiz, Nico Williams, and Dani Olmo each found the back of the net, demonstrating the depth and versatility within the Spanish squad. The performances of Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal were particularly noteworthy. Yamal, at just 16 years and 353 days old, became the youngest player to feature in the knockout rounds of a major tournament — a remarkable achievement that places him in the annals of European football history. De la Fuente spoke about the young prodigy's potential, stating, "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. But he is 16 and he is still learning. Today is great for that and for what is to come in the immediate future."
Yamal's distinction didn't end there; he also became the first European teenager to assist in two or more goals at a major tournament since Cristiano Ronaldo at Euro 2004. His presence on the field, alongside other young talents, speaks volumes about the future of Spanish football.
Georgia’s Historic Run
For Georgia, the quarterfinal was a culmination of a historic tournament run. Making their first appearance at a major tournament, Georgia defied expectations by reaching the knockout stages. Despite being the lowest-ranked team in the competition, they managed to challenge Spain, albeit falling short in the end. Their coach, Willy Sagnol, expressed mixed feelings after the match. "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," he remarked.
Sagnol also highlighted a contentious moment involving the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), suggesting an offside decision could have been managed better. "It was clearly offside. If [Netherlands defender] Denzel Dumfries is offside [against France] then that was 10 times more offside today," he asserted. Elaborating further, he voiced his frustrations with VAR's current implementation: "It is always the same problem. VAR is a fantastic evolution, but we don't use it properly. Players and staff don't understand anymore. VAR is a great thing, but maybe we should wait until we know how to use it properly."
Looking to the Semifinals
As Spain prepares to face Germany in the semifinals, they do so with a blend of confidence and caution. "With all respect to all the other national teams, 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. We are up against a very powerful team in Germany," De la Fuente acknowledged. The German team, known for their organization and discipline, will be a formidable opponent. "Germany will be strong at home, but we aren't afraid," said Rodri. "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."
Spain's progression in Euro 2024 has been nothing short of stellar, recording victories in all their matches thus far. Their tactical acumen, coupled with a balance of youth and experience, has set the stage for an exciting semifinal clash. As the tournament unfolds, all eyes will be on Stuttgart this Friday to witness what promises to be a thrilling encounter between two footballing giants.