Classy Spain end Georgia's dreams 4-1 to meet hosts Germany at Euros

Spain's Nico Williams (L) celebrates after his goal with Lamine Yamal during the UEFA EURO 2024 round of 16 soccer match between Spain and Georgia at the Cologne Stadium. Rolf Vennenbernd/dpa

Spain overcame an early shock as they ended Georgia's Euro 2024 fairytale with a 4-1 statement victory on Sunday to set up a mouth-watering quarter-final date with hosts Germany.

Georgia took a shock lead in the 18th minute from an own goal by Robin Le Normand, but Rodri levelled in the 39th, Fabian Ruiz headed in for 2-1 in the 51st, Nico Williams smashed the third in the 75th, and Dani Olmo wrapped up matters in the 83rd.

The exciting Spanish team has impressed the most so far at the Euros, is the only one to win all four matches, and now run into hosts Germany on Friday in Stuttgart.

Spain have won two of the three previous meetings at the Euros with Germany, the last match their 1-0 in the 2008 final. The two sides drew 1-1 at the 2022 World Cup, and four years ago Spain thrashed Germany 6-0 in the Nations League.

Debutants Georgia had a strong tournament culminating in a 2-0 against Portugal that got them into the knock-outs but there was not another miracle on the night against Spain's flair, even though they gave their all once again.

Spain had also beaten Georgia 7-1 and 3-1 in qualifying last year.

Spain's Dani Carvajal (L) and Georgia's Suriko Davitashvili battle for the ball during the UEFA EURO 2024 round of 16 soccer match between Spain and Georgia at the Cologne Stadium. Marius Becker/dpa
Spain's Lamine Yamal (C) and Georgia's Guram Kashia battle for the ball during the UEFA EURO 2024 round of 16 soccer match between Spain and Georgia at the Cologne Stadium. David Inderlied/dpa
Spain's Nico Williams (L) celebrates after scoring his side's third goal of the game during the UEFA EURO 2024 round of 16 soccer match between Spain and Georgia at the Cologne Stadium. Rolf Vennenbernd/dpa
Spain's Nico Williams (R) celebrates with Dani Olmo (C) and Fabian Ruiz after scoring his side's third goal of the game during the UEFA EURO 2024 round of 16 soccer match between Spain and Georgia at the Cologne Stadium. David Inderlied/dpa
Spain's coach Luis de la Fuente (C) speaks with Rodri during the UEFA EURO 2024 round of 16 soccer match between Spain and Georgia at the Cologne Stadium. Marius Becker/dpa
Spain's Nico Williams (L) celebrates with teammate Lamine Yamal after scoring his side's third goal of the game during the UEFA EURO 2024 round of 16 soccer match between Spain and Georgia at the Cologne Stadium. Rolf Vennenbernd/dpa

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