The European Championship group stage has concluded, and Spain’s opponent in the Round of 16 has been revealed: Georgia, ranked 74th in the FIFA ranking. This is the team led by Willy Sagnol and Kvaratskhelia.
In historical encounters, Spain has defeated Georgia twice in the European Championship qualifiers (1-7 away, 3-1 home), and triumphed in all 6 official matches, with a score difference of 19-3. Although in the only friendly match, Georgia emerged victorious.
Despite their clear advantage, Spain does not take Georgia lightly. The entire team understands that every step from now on cannot be taken for granted. Moreover, the players vividly remember that in their last four major tournaments, Spain has been eliminated in the Round of 16 three times, only advancing to the quarterfinals in the 2021 European Championship through extra time.
Spain’s head coach Luis de la Fuente expressed caution about the upcoming match: “We have the utmost respect for this team, which has performed well in this tournament and even defeated Portugal. Past experiences have taught us that they are constantly improving and their level is continuously rising. We can only ensure our advancement if we play at our best. While they might have adjusted their tactics, their core philosophy remains unchanged, particularly their impressive speed on counterattacks.”
De la Fuente stated: “We must be extremely cautious. They have practical experience and belief in qualification, having beaten Portugal, making them even more dangerous. The match has given them confidence, which also motivates us. We agree to stick to our style and keep improving. The players understand this profoundly. Continuous improvement is the only way to go further.”
Spain’s final path is now clear. If they can successfully overcome Georgia in the Round of 16, they will face the winner between Germany and Denmark for a place in the quarter-finals. The atmosphere within the Spanish team is relaxed but cautious, and they will approach each match with a steady stride.
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