Spain's dominant run in the Euro 2024 tournament continued as they dispatched Georgia with a convincing 4-1 victory in the quarterfinals held in Stuttgart. This win sets up a tantalizing semifinal clash against the tournament hosts, Germany, this Friday.
Georgia struck first with an early lead courtesy of an own goal by Robin Le Normand. However, Spain maintained their composure. Coach Luis de la Fuente praised his team's mentality, saying, "We were calm at half-time, there was no anxiety, and the players knew what was needed."
Rodri's Resurgence
Spain found their equalizer through Rodri, who was later named Player of the Match by UEFA. De la Fuente had high praise for Rodri, describing him as "a computer who makes everyone else play.” Rodri's ability to manage emotions and moments on the pitch perfectly was a big asset for the Spanish side. His presence infused a sense of calm and control that propelled Spain forward.
A Showcase of Young Talent
Spain didn't stop at one. Fabián Ruiz, Nico Williams, and Dani Olmo all found the net, with Williams and Lamine Yamal standing out as exceptional performers. At just 16 years and 353 days old, Yamal has made history by becoming the youngest player to feature in the knockout rounds of a major tournament. De la Fuente acknowledged Yamal's talent but also emphasized that he is still learning: "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." Despite his young age, Yamal's two assists make him the first European teenager to assist in two or more goals at a major tournament since Cristiano Ronaldo at Euro 2004.
Spanish Dominance
Spain's command over the match was evident in the statistics. They recorded an astounding 35 shots on goal, showcasing their relentless attacking prowess. Having won all four of their matches in the tournament thus far, they are building momentum heading into their clash against Germany.
De la Fuente is under no illusions about the challenge that awaits them. "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," he stated. This mix of confidence and realism reflects Spain's approach to the semifinal.
Georgia's Remarkable Run
Despite the loss, this tournament marked a significant milestone for Georgia. Making their first appearance in a major tournament, they managed to reach the knockout stages, a commendable achievement given their status as the lowest-ranked team in the competition. Georgian coach Willy Sagnol expressed a mixture of pride and frustration, particularly with the officiating: "It was clearly offside. If [Netherlands defender] Denzel Dumfries is offside [against France], then that was 10 times more offside today." He continued, voicing his concerns about VAR, "It is always the same problem. VAR is a fantastic evolution, but we don't use it properly."
Sagnol's sentiments captured the essence of their journey. "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 reflected, recognizing the broader significance of their performance.
The Road Ahead
As Spain prepares to face a well-organized and disciplined German side, the focus remains on leveraging their blend of experienced campaigners and youthful talents. Rodri encapsulated Spain's mindset perfectly: "Germany will be strong at home, but we aren't afraid. 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 journey in Euro 2024 continues to captivate fans and pundits alike. Whether it's the strategic prowess of their coach, the brilliance of their seasoned players, or the unbounded potential of their young stars, Spain is a team that appears determined to go all the way.