Spain's triumphant journey in the Euro 2024 tournament continues as they advance to the semifinals. In a thrilling encounter in Stuttgart, Spain showcased their prowess by defeating Georgia 4-1 in the quarterfinals, marking their fourth consecutive victory in the competition. This remarkable achievement sets the stage for an eagerly anticipated showdown against the tournament hosts, Germany, on Friday.
Georgia's Early Surprise
The match took an unexpected turn in its early stages when Robin Le Normand inadvertently put the ball into his own net, giving Georgia a surprising lead. This hiccup for Spain, however, was short-lived. Rodri, a linchpin in Spain's midfield, swiftly responded, leveling the score with a crucial equalizer. His performance on the pitch earned him the esteemed Player of the Match accolade from UEFA. Spain's head coach, Luis de la Fuente, couldn't hide his admiration, stating, "We were calm at half-time, there was no anxiety and the players knew what was needed. And then we have Rodri, who is a computer who makes everyone else play."
Spain's Relentless Attack
Spain's attacking force proved relentless, recording a staggering 35 shots on goal. Fabián Ruiz, Nico Williams, and Dani Olmo, all found the net, cementing Spain's dominance. Nico Williams and the young prodigy Lamine Yamal stood out with their exceptional performances. Notably, Yamal, at just 16 years and 353 days old, became the youngest player to feature in the knockout rounds of a major tournament. His contributions were pivotal, as he became the first European teenager to assist in two or more goals at a major tournament since Cristiano Ronaldo at Euro 2004. Coach de la Fuente acknowledged his young talent's potential and room for growth, saying, "He played really well, but I think he can do much better. He likes to take risks, but maybe there are moments when a bit more calm is needed. But he is 16 and he is still learning."
A Historic Moment for Georgia
Despite the defeat, this tournament was a historic milestone for Georgia. As the lowest-ranked team in the competition, their journey to the knockout stages marked their first appearance in a major tournament. Georgia's coach, Willy Sagnol, reflected on their experiences with a mix of pride and regret. “It was clearly offside. If [Netherlands defender] Denzel Dumfries is offside [against France] then that was 10 times more offside today,” he remarked, expressing frustration over a controversial VAR decision. Nevertheless, he added, "We are not disappointed but feel sad because we lost. I am sure in some days we will realize what we have done and happiness will come back quickly."
Looking Ahead to Germany
As Spain gears up to face Germany in the semifinals, the team embodies a blend of seasoned campaigners and youthful talent. Luis de la Fuente remains confident yet pragmatic about the challenge ahead, insisting, "With all respect to all the other national teams, we have the best team and the best players. Does that mean we're going to win it? No, but we will fight for it. We are up against a very powerful team in Germany." This cautious optimism underscores the balanced approach that Spain seeks to maintain as they aim for glory.
Germany, known for their disciplined and well-organized play, will undoubtedly pose a significant challenge. However, Spain's resolve remains unshaken. "Germany will be strong at home, but we aren't afraid. We must produce a good performance, but we are not here to play well or leave a good image; we are here to win with everything we have -- that is the mentality of this team," declared Rodri, encapsulating the fighting spirit of the Spanish squad.
As fans eagerly await the semifinal clash, the stage is set for a riveting encounter between two football giants. Spain's journey so far has been a testament to their skill, strategy, and sheer determination. Whether they can continue this momentum against Germany will be a narrative closely watched by football enthusiasts around the world.