Spain vs. Georgia: Prediction, Preview & Betting Tips

Despite Georgia's heroics in this competition, Spain should win this game and should do so convincingly. The Spanish are one of the most multifaceted teams from a creative standpoint and can penetrate opponents from all areas of the pitch. They have the fourth highest expected goals rate of any side at the tournament (1.82xG per game) despite competing in arguably the toughest group, and were also the third highest scorers in qualifying for this competition despite, again, competing in one of the tougher groups.

Spain already hammered Georgia twice in qualifying for this competition, and the Georgians have currently got the highest expected goals against rate in the tournament (2.68xGA per game) so it's no surprise that they've found life against Spain tough in recent meetings. We do, then, expect another comfortable win the for Spaniards here. Spain 3-1 Georgia.

As the knockout stages of Euro 2024 commence, one of the most intriguing matches in the Round of 16 comes as Spain take on Georgia. Scheduled for this Sunday, this clash pits one of the tournament favourites against a team that has been one of the surprise packages of the competition. Here, we delve into the form, key players, and prospects of both teams.

• Date: 30/06/2024
• Kick-off time: 20:00
• Location: RheinEnergieStadion, Cologne

Spain have arguably been the standout team of Euro 2024 so far, finishing top of Group B with a perfect record of three wins from three matches. This achievement is particularly impressive given that no other team in the tournament managed to win all their group games. Under the guidance of manager Luis de la Fuente, Spain have showcased an evolved style of play that has impressed both fans and pundits alike.

De la Fuente's Spain is markedly different from the Spain teams of recent past. Gone is the excessive tiki-taka style that sometimes led to sterile domination. Instead, this Spain team is more direct, utilising the pace and skill of their wingers to great effect. This approach has paid dividends, making Spain a formidable attacking force.

A significant factor in Spain's success has been the emergence of young talents who have added a new dimension to the team's play. Chief among them is 16-year-old Lamine Yamal. The teenager has taken the tournament by storm with his fearless dribbling and ability to take on defenders. Alongside him, 21-year-old Nico Williams has also been in excellent form, providing width and penetration from the flanks. These players have not only contributed goals and assists but have also created space and opportunities for their teammates.

The blend of youth and experience in the Spanish squad is one of their strengths. Veterans like Dani Carvajal and Álvaro Morata provide stability and leadership, ensuring that the younger players have a solid foundation to build on. This combination has many considering Spain as favourites to lift the trophy, although they are on the tougher side of the draw, potentially facing heavyweights like France, Germany, Portugal, and Belgium in the later stages.

On the other side, Georgia's journey to the Round of 16 has been nothing short of remarkable. Finishing third in Group F with four points, they have defied expectations and emerged as one of the most entertaining teams in the tournament. This is their first appearance in a major tournament as an independent nation, and their performances have been a breath of fresh air, with their style of play one of the bravest and most cavalier of any side in the competition.

Georgia secured their place at Euro 2024 in somewhat unconventional fashion. They earned a playoff spot through their Nations League performance, having only garnered eight points in the regular qualifying campaign. Nonetheless, once at the tournament, they have made the most of their opportunity, surprising everyone with their spirited displays.

A standout performer for Georgia has been 23-year-old Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. The Napoli winger has lived up to his billing as one of Europe's most exciting talents, dazzling opponents with his dribbling and creativity. However, the star of the show has arguably been forward Georges Mikautadze. Also 23, Mikautadze is currently the top scorer in the tournament with three goals, demonstrating his clinical finishing and ability to find space in the opposition box.

Georgia's manager, Willy Sagnol, has done a commendable job in organising the team and getting the best out of his players. Sagnol's tactical nous has seen Georgia play with a blend of defensive solidity and attacking flair. They have shown that they are not just here to make up the numbers but are capable of competing with and beating higher-ranked teams.

When it comes to head-to-head encounters, Spain have had the upper hand against Georgia. The two teams faced each other in the qualifiers for this tournament, with Spain winning both matches convincingly by scorelines of 7-1 and 3-1. In fact, Spain have won all of the last four meetings between the two sides. This historical dominance gives Spain a psychological edge going into the match.

However, knockout football can be unpredictable, and Georgia will be motivated by their underdog status. The opportunity to reach the quarterfinals of a major tournament for the first time is a significant incentive, and they will be looking to make history.

This game will be aired live to all U.K. viewers on ITV1 and on the ITVX website.

Spain Team News:

Spain should be coming into this game in good nick having rested most of their preferred starting lineup in their final group game against Albania.

Spain will likely revert back to the XI that started the game against Italy, with Aymeric Laporte starting at the heart of the defence and Nacho likely having to settle for a place on the bench.

Georgia Team News:

Likewise, Georgia have no injuries or suspensions to deal with and should stick with the same lineup that beat Portugal last time out.

With three goals in three games, forward Georges Mikautadze is looking to maintain his place at the top of the Euro 2024 scoring charts.

Spain's last five games have seen them notch five wins. La Roja came into this tournament off the back of a 5-0 friendly win over Andorra and a 5-1 friendly win over Northern Ireland, and in their opening group game of the tournament they delivered one of the finest performances of the group stage as they put Croatia to the sword in a convincing 3-0 win, with the goals coming from Álvaro Morata, Fabián Ruiz and Dani Carvajal.

In their second game, Spain faced what was they thought would be an incredibly stiff test against holders Italy, but they made light work of the reigning champions, dominating them from start to finish. The game ended only 1-0 but it was a scoreline that flattered the Italians immensely, with the Spain looking several levels above their Southern European counterparts. Nico Williams in particular was unplayable in that game, terrorising the Italian defence from the right wing.

In their final group game, with top spot already secured, a much-changed Spain side took on Albania and won 1-0 thanks to a first-half goal from Ferran Torres in what was an entertaining encounter where Albania gave a valiant effort in the second half.

Georgia's last five games have resulted in three wins, one draw and one defeat. Georgia prepared for this tournament by taking on Greece in the final of their Euro 2024 playoff campaign and won a nail-biting penalty shootout following a 0-0 draw, despite playing the majority of the game with ten men. Prior to the start of this tournament, Georgia beat Montenegro 3-1 in a friendly.

In their first game of this competition Georgia took on Turkey and fell to an agonising 3-1 loss, despite putting up an excellent performance. Georgia had Turkey on the ropes for a lot of the game and conceded two wonder goals, and it took some last-ditch, desperate defending at the end to prevent Georgia from equalising before Turkey sealed the game on the break.

Georgia followed that game up with a 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic in a competitive game where the Georgians displayed heart and doggedness to grind out what turned out to be a very good draw.

Last but not least, Georgia shocked Europe in their final group game and sealed their place in the last 16 by beating one of the tournament favourites in Portugal 2-0. Goals from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Georges Mikautadze capped off what was an excellent performance both defensively and in attack.

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