European Championship Last 16: Spain vs. Georgia

The Euros have truly begun in earnest. After two weeks of group stage matches where most favorites comfortably advanced, we have now reached the knockout stage. Sixteen of the 24 participants remain, with the new format allowing four of the six third-placed teams to progress. The tournament started with a flurry of goals and excitement, but the last round of group games saw fewer goals, with three of the eight matches ending 0-0. Many teams, aware that a draw would suffice, played conservatively to secure their spots in the knockout stages.

Spain Team News

Spain breezed through the group stage, winning all three of their matches for the first time since 2008. Coach Luis de la Fuente made ten changes in their final group match against Albania, with Ferran Torres scoring early to secure victory. With top spot already assured, the focus now shifts to the knockout rounds. Manchester City midfielder Rodri returns from suspension, and several key players are expected to be back in the lineup. Real Madrid veteran Nacho and right-back Jesus Navas are both available despite minor injuries. Up front, young stars Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams are set to support captain Alvaro Morata.

Georgia Team News

Georgia, making their debut in a major tournament, have captured hearts with their spirited performances. After a dramatic win over Portugal, they advanced to the knockout stage. Coach Willy Sagnol will miss Anzor Mekvabishvili due to suspension but is likely to stick with a 5-3-2 formation led by Napoli winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Euro 2024’s top scorer Georges Mikautadze. Goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, who plays for Valencia, has been a standout performer, making 21 saves in the group stage.

Spain Form

Spain have been dominant, winning all three group games without conceding a goal. Their 100% record and robust defense have positioned them as strong contenders for the title. They have won six of their seven matches against Georgia, including two emphatic victories in the qualifiers.

Georgia Form

Georgia’s journey has been remarkable, highlighted by their victory over Portugal. Despite facing the most shots and conceding the highest xG in the tournament, they have shown resilience and determination. They have a balanced record with a win, a draw, and a loss in the group stage.

What Do the Stats Say?

• Spain have kept a clean sheet in all their matches at Euro 2024.
• Georgia have faced the most shots (71) and shots on target (25) in the tournament.
• Georges Mikautadze has scored in each of Georgia’s group games.

Our Verdict

Spain’s solid form and experience make them favorites, but Georgia’s underdog spirit and recent performances suggest they won’t go down without a fight. We predict a 3-1 victory for Spain, with Georgia potentially grabbing a consolation goal.

Spain possible starting lineup: Simon; Carvajal, Le Normand, Laporte, Cucurella; Pedri, Rodri, Ruiz; Yamal, Morata, Williams
Georgia possible starting lineup: Mamardashvili; Tsitaishvili, Dvali, Kashia, Kverkvelia, Kakabadze; Kochorashvili, Kiteishvili, Chakvetadze; Kvaratskhelia, Mikautadze