SPAIN take on tournament debutants Georgia in a huge Euro 2024 round-of-16 clash on Sunday.
La Roja cruised through the group stages this month, becoming the only team to claim maximum points.
Luis de la Fuente’s side beat Croatia 3-0 in their opening game before winning 1-0 against Italy and Albania respectively.
They have now been tipped to go the distance in the knockouts – but face a difficult challenge against Georgia.
Football fans have fallen in love with the Crusaders at this summer’s tournament.
Despite losing 3-1 to Turkey in their opening game – which was immediately dubbed a European classic – Willy Sagnol’s side have gone above and beyond expectations.
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Georgia drew 1-1 with Czech Republic before earning a historic 2-0 win over Euro 2016 champions Portugal on Wednesday, meaning they progressed to the knockouts as one of the best third-placed teams.
The question is – will the underdogs cause another upset this time around?
What is their form like?
Spain go into Sunday’s match with a 100% record so far at Euro 2024.
While they are yet to lose a match, they are also yet to concede a single goal having kept clean sheets against Croatia, Italy and Albania.
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As for Georgia, Willy Sagnol’s side registered one win, a draw and a defeat in the group stages.
Following a slow start, they went on to beat eventual Group C winners Portugal thanks to goals from Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Georges Mikautadze, who is currently leading the Golden Boot race.
Team News
De la Fuente made 10 changes to his squad ahead of Spain’s match against Albania, but the likes of Nico Williams, Pedri, Lamine Yamal and Alvaro Morata are all set to return to the starting line-up.
Rodri will also be back following a one-game ban.
But Nacho Fernandez and Ayoze Perez are battling to be fully fit following injury setbacks.
As for Georgia, Anzor Mekvabishvili is suspended so he will likely be replaced by Giorgi Chakvetadze.
Solomon Kvirkvelia and Giorgi Tsitaishvili are expected to return with Kvaratskhelia leading the attack.
Ones to watch
Spain youngster Lamine Yamal has impressed since making his major tournament debut.
The 16-year-old became the youngest footballer to play at a European Championship when he started for La Roja against Croatia earlier this month.
He also provided an assist during the opening match.
Meanwhile, Georgia forward Georges Mikautadze is in great form.
The 23-year-old is currently leading the Euro 2024 Golden Boot race with three goals, beating the likes of Cody Gakpo and Jamal Musiala.
What has been said?
Looking ahead to Sunday’s match, Spain boss Luis de la Fuente said: “We have maximum respect for them. They are a team that is having a great tournament, that has defeated Portugal; and that, due to the experience we have, we have seen that they have been improving and progressing in their performance.
“We will have to give our best version to have a chance of going through.
“We have seen that they have changed the system somewhat, but not the idea they have, with players who come out very quickly in transitions.
“We will have to be very careful. The experience of having played matches and the security of having qualified, with the motivation that comes from beating Portugal, make them more dangerous.
“They, thanks to that trajectory, will have security. We, too, with ours.
“We have to reaffirm our path, our idea, and continue to grow. In our heads, our hearts and our legs are continuing to improve. Our players understand that. If we want to go far, the improvement must be constant.”
Following Georgia’s impressive win over Portugal, Willy Sagnol said: “To some players, I even told them, remember when you were 16, 17, 18, you were playing without any foes, then do exactly the same. And I think they did it brilliantly today, above all expectations.
“There are benefits to being tournament underdogs. When you’re the small team, you know you have nothing to lose.
“The only thing we said before the competition is whatever happened, we don’t want any regrets after the competition, the regret of maybe not having played our football or maybe not having enjoyed the competition as much as we should have done.
“So, you have no weight on your shoulders. It’s difficult when you’re France, when you’re England, when you’re Spain, when you’re Portugal, because you’re under pressure, because people expect you to win.
“The only responsibility we had was to make the Georgian nation proud of their players. And I think we’ve done it the best way.”
He continued: “We just take the things the way it comes. And Spain is coming. Spain is probably the best team of the first round. So it’s another big challenge for us.”
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When is Spain vs Georgia?
- Spain’s clash against Georgia will take place on Sunday, June 30.
- The game will kick off at 8pm BST.
- The RheinEnergie Stadium in Cologne, Germany, will play host.
What channel is it and can it be live streamed?
- Spain vs Georgia will be shown live on ITV1 and ITV1 HD in the UK.
- You can live stream the action from ITV X app, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
Can I watch for FREE?
- Yes, the game is free to watch on ITV, so long as you have a valid TV licence.
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Odds
- Spain – 1/5
- Draw – 11/2
- Georgia – 14/1
- Spain to win tie – 2/13
- Georgia to win tie – 11/1
*Odds courtesy of William Hill and correct at time of publication.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
