In the early morning of July 1, Spain showed its strength with a 4-1 victory over Georgia in the round of 16 of EURO 2024.

As predicted by fans and experts, Spain pressed the field right after the opening whistle with 86% ball possession.

In just the first 10 minutes, Giorgi Mamardashvili had to make two saves from close-range shots from the red team. The Valencia star is currently the best goalkeeper at EURO 2024 with 22 saves since the start of the tournament.

Spain plays half court.Spain plays half court.

Spain plays half court.

The unbelievable scenario happened in the 19th minute. In the first attack from the beginning of the match, Georgia opened the score. Otar Kakabadze crossed from the right wing. Inside, Robin Le Normand fumbled the ball into his own net, under pressure from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

Spain’s first goal at EURO 2024 was an own goal.Spain’s first goal at EURO 2024 was an own goal.

Spain’s first goal at EURO 2024 was an own goal.

After conceding the goal, Spain pressed forward to attack but had to wait until the 14th shot in the 39th minute to equalize. From a distance of more than 20 meters, Rodri fired a low shot into the far corner, giving the Georgia goalkeeper no chance to block it.

The first half ended in a 1-1 draw. Georgia did everything they could but could not maintain their lead, under great pressure from Spain’s attack. “La Roja” had 74% possession, had 16 shots, while Georgia only had 1 chance.

Rodri’s classy goal.Rodri’s classy goal.

Rodri’s classy goal.

The pace of the match increased immediately after the second half whistle. Kvaratskhelia warned the Spanish defense early with a shot from midfield that went just wide of the post.

Spain immediately responded with a good free kick from Lamine Yamal. Mamardashvili denied the 17-year-old’s effort but was helpless against Fabian Ruiz’s close-range header in the 51st minute.

Spain’s goal increased the score to 2-1.

Spain’s goal increased the score to 2-1.

After leading 2-1, Spain showed impressive ball control. Georgia was completely helpless, even conceding a second goal in the 74th minute, after a “burning penalty”. Luck was on the side of the red and white team, when the referee raised the flag for offside by Lamine Yamal.

Spanish fans did not have to regret for long. Just 1 minute after the goal was denied, “La Roja” extinguished Georgia’s hope with a cool dribble and shot from Nico Williams, raising the score to 3-1. In the 83rd minute, Spain scored the 4th goal, after a neat shot from Dani Olmo.

The match ended with a 4-1 victory for Spain. Coach De La Fuente and his team, along with host Germany, created an “early final” in the quarter-finals of EURO this year.