FOUR out of four of the men in red.
And still, without a doubt, the team to beat.
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But while Spain finally broke the spirit of the gallant, unyielding and incredible Georgians, Germany, France and – perhaps – even England may not be entirely in fear of Luis de la Fuente’s team.
Rocked by an own goal from defender Robin Le Normand, the tournament favorites briefly faced the same abyss that almost engulfed the Three Lions.
But a beautiful shot from Manchester City ice player Rodri restored calm before the break.
And when Georgia’s brave hearts and legs finally gave way, Spain finally turned on the afterburners.
Fabian Ruiz headed in Lamine Yamal’s cross and an attacking break ended with Nico Williams advancing from distance to thunder into the top of the net before Dani Olmo fired in the fourth.
It provided enough, although it was a million miles away from what was expected after Spain defeated the Georgians by 10 points in two qualifying matches.
De la Fuente’s men may have been the highlight of the group stage and had wonders Williams and Yamal back.
However, although Spain tried to go for the jugular from the start, they were thwarted by Georgia’s resilience, determination and courage.
Goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili – who plays in La Liga for Valencia – started as he intended with a clever low move as Pedri slid in to meet Dani Carvajal’s low cross after good play from Yamal.
Mamardashvili rescued his team again – precisely – when Carvajal’s shot found Williams’ corner and the underdogs were already in survival mode, making block after desperate block.
Which made his goal, from a lightning counterattack, even more surprising.
Georges Mikautadze, one of the unlikely stars, started out wide on the right, where full-back Otar Kakabadze advanced and played into the danger zone.
Le Normand, very aware of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia breathing down his neck, had to play the ball and just deflected it into his own net.
Disbelief – on both sides.
And out of nowhere, the easy path became a treacherous path.
Georgia’s confidence grew as, with Kvaratskhelia an incessant pest, they wasted a few more counter-attacking opportunities and Spain’s composure was questioned.
Mamardashvili repelled Marc Cucurella’s strike and then went left again to frustrate Williams.
But there was nothing he could do as Williams’ chosen Rodri had time and space to fire a low, left-footed shot into the bottom corner five minutes before the break.
Georgia argued that Álvaro Morata’s offside was interfering with the goalkeeper, but this was rightly rejected by the VAR booth in Leipzig. He did not impact Mamardashvili.
Spain were galvanized, but Georgia remained fearlessly committed, in defense and attack, and so close to one of the big goals when they won the ball back.
Kvaratskhelia advanced but was still inside his own half when he realized Unai Simon was lost, his shot finding the retreating goalkeeper but off the post.
However, within a minute, Spain were ahead.
Mamardashvili dived to deflect Yamal’s free-kick but Spain recycled the ball and when it returned to the teenager’s feet he picked out Ruiz to force the ball past the keeper from inside the six-yard box.
It was, finally, the blow from which the Georgians, despite all their strenuous efforts, could not recover.
Yamal missed a sitter after a defensive Rickitt gave him the ball, but Williams, picked by Ruiz, found the net before Olmo finished.
Amidst all its quality, the twin terrors are the sparkling diamonds. Next up are the hosts in Stuttgart on Friday.
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This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
