Spain came from behind to beat Georgia 4-1 in the last-16 of the Euro 2024 Cologne on Sunday night, setting up a blockbuster quarter-final against hosts Germany.
Robin Le Normand’s own goal gave Georgia a shock lead in the 18th minute, sending their noisy supporters wild. It was the first goal Spain had conceded in the Euro 2024 competition, but they equalised six minutes before the interval courtesy of Manchester City midfielder Rodri.
Ruiz then headed home in the 51st minute, Williams ran through for the third, and substitute Olmo sealed the win. La Roja stayed on track to become European champions for the fourth time.
Spain now take on Germany in the last eight in Stuttgart on Friday in a repeat of the Euro 2008 final, which they won 1-0 to begin their golden era of dominance in international football.
Luis de la Fuente’s current team aimed to revive the glory days and were expected to brush Georgia aside. They could have won by a greater margin had they converted more of their chances, with 16-year-old winger Lamine Yamal missing several opportunities in his attempt to become the youngest-ever goal-scorer at the Euros.
Georgia, ranked 74th in the world, 66 places below Spain, qualified for a major tournament for the first time and made it to the knockout stages with a stunning 2-0 win over Portugal.
Despite eventually crumbling here, Willy Sagnol’s team left with their heads held high. Sagnol said on the eve of the match that his unfancied team had “already won the European Championship” thanks to their remarkable run.
