June 29 – Euro 2024 revelation Georgia will go in search of another Iberian scalp against Spain, tournament favourites, after triumphing over Portugal to progress for the last 16 on debut.
They can draw lessons from the 7-1 pummelling by the Spanish in qualifying, says manager Will Sagnol.
Georgia have become the darlings of European football following their heroism in Group F. After losing to Turkey and drawing with the Czech Republic, they defeated a second-string Portugal to clinch a spot among Europe’s 16 best.
It was the manner and ethos of victory that caught the imagination – they stuck to their game plan and countered with great precision, exasperating Ronaldo and co, but in Cologne on Sunday, they will face their biggest challenge yet against a Spanish side who won all three of their group matches without conceding.
“They have been the best team so far,” said Georgia manager Sagnol. “There is nothing more to say. But any result can happen even if we have lost to them four times in the last games.”
In the qualifiers, Georgia were on the wrong end of a 7-1 scoreline in Tbilisi with striker Alvaro Morata notching up a hat-trick and prodigy Lamine Yamal debuting with a goal. At home, Spain won 3-1.
“I don’t remember that game,” commented Sagnol laughing. “No, seriously. That game was a tough time, a lot, not easy. It hurt us. But maybe if we’re here in part it was because of everything we learned that night, which was a lot. In life, you have to overcome difficulties, move forward, be able to get up. And this team has shown that ability.”
La Roja have displayed great form and cohesion in Germany with some imperious displays in the group stages, in particular against Croatia and Italy, a pair of heavyweights that have exited the tournament.
Even the win against Albania with a reserve side was not without significance – it was a show of the Spanish’s strength in depth. On paper, fan-favourites Georgia have little chance to upset the tournament favourites, but Sagnol and his team will be determined to challenge Spain.
“We can’t just defend, that’s clear,” said Sagnol. “We want to show Europe and the world that we are good with the ball at our feet.”
“I give a lot of importance to defensive strategy, but football is not mathematics or chess. You have to play with emotions. It’s very easy to motivate the player, team: they don’t need me for that. Being here is enough. They need calm, tranquility. We have to combine, find balance. For me, we have already won the European Championship.”
In a way, Sagnol is right and his side will be hell-bent on once more showing what they are capable of to extend their stay at the European championship.
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