SPAIN face tournament newcomers Georgia in a huge Euro 2024 round of 16 clash on Sunday.
La Roja progressed through the group stage this month, becoming the only team to win maximum points.
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Luis de la Fuente’s side defeated Croatia 3-0 in their opening game, before winning 1-0 against Italy and Albania respectively.
They have now been tipped to go far in the qualifiers – but face a tough challenge against Georgia.
Football fans fell 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 team exceeded expectations.
Georgia drew 1-1 with the Czech Republic before claiming a historic 2-0 victory over Euro 2016 champions Portugal on Wednesday, meaning they progressed to the knockout stages as one of the best third-placed teams.
The question is: will the underdogs spring another surprise this time?
What is their shape like?
Spain heads into Sunday’s match with a 100% record so far in Euro 2024.
While they are yet to lose a match, they have also not conceded a goal, having kept clean sheets against Croatia, Italy and Albania.
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As for Georgia, the team led by Willy Sagnol recorded one victory, one draw and one defeat in the group stage.
After a slow start, they beat eventual Group C winners Portugal thanks to goals from Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Georges Mikautadze, who currently leads 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 set to return to the starting line-up.
Rodri will also be back after a one-game suspension.
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But Nacho Fernandez and Ayoze Perez are struggling to be fully fit after injury setbacks.
As for Georgia, Anzor Mekvabishvili is suspended and will likely be replaced by Giorgi Chakvetadze.
Solomon Kvirkvelia and Giorgi Tsitaishvili are expected to return with Kvaratskhelia leading the attack.
Those to watch
Young Spaniard Lamine Yamal has impressed since his major tournament debut.
The 16-year-old became the youngest footballer to appear at a European Championship when he started for La Roja against Croatia earlier this month.
He also provided an assist in the opening match.
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Meanwhile, Georgian striker Georges Mikautadze is in great form.
The 23-year-old currently leads the Euro 2024 Golden Boot race with three goals, beating the likes of Cody Gakpo and Jamal Musiala.
What was said?
Ahead of Sunday’s game, Spanish coach Luis de la Fuente said: “We have the utmost respect for them. They are a team that is having a great tournament, that defeated Portugal; and that, due to the experience we have, we have as they have been improving and progressing in their performance.
“We will have to give our best version to have a chance of moving forward.
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“We saw that they changed the system a little, but not the idea they had, with players who leave very quickly in transitions.
“We will have to be very careful. The experience of having played games and the security of having qualified, with the motivation that comes from beating Portugal, make them more dangerous.
“Thanks to this trajectory, they will have security. Us too, with ours.
“We have to reaffirm our path, our idea and continue to grow. In our heads, our hearts and our legs continue to get better. Our players understand this. If we want to go far, improvement must be constant.”
After Georgia’s impressive victory over Portugal, Willy Sagnol said: “To some players, I even told them, remember when you were 16, 17, 18, you played without opponents, so do exactly the same. And I think they did it. today brilliantly, above all expectations.
“There are benefits to being the underdog of the tournament. When you’re a small team, you know you have nothing to lose.
“The only thing we said before the competition was what happened, we don’t want 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.
“So you have no weight on your shoulders. It’s difficult when you are France, when you are England, when you are Spain, when you are Portugal, because you are under pressure, because people expect you to win. .
“The only responsibility we had was to make the Georgian nation proud of its players. And I think we did that in the best way.”
He continued: “We just take things as they come. And Spain are coming. Spain are probably the best team in the first round. So it’s another big challenge for us.”
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When is Spain vs Georgia?
- Spain’s clash with Georgia will take place on Sunday, June 30.
- The game will start at 8pm BST.
- The RheinEnergie Stadium in Cologne, Germany, will host.
What is the channel and can it be broadcast live?
- Spain v Georgia will be broadcast live on ITV1 and ITV1 HD in the UK.
- You can stream the action live on the ITV X app, which is available to download onto your phone or tablet.
Can I watch for FREE?
- Yes, the game is free to watch on ITV as long as you have a valid TV license.
Chances
- Spain – 1/5
- Draw – 2/11
- Georgia – 14/1
- Spain wins the tie – 13/02
- Georgia wins the tie – 01/11
*Odds courtesy of William Colina and correct at the time of publication.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
