Euro 2024 debutant: Can Georgia surprise Spain?

The national team of Georgia, which for the first time in history reached the final part of the European Championship, will meet this Sunday, June 30, in the match of the 1/8 finals with the three-time champions of the tournament — the national team of Spain. The match will take place at the "Rein Energy Stadium" stadium in Cologne and will start at 22:00 Kyiv time.

Head-to-head history: Spain dominates, but Georgia doesn't give up

The national teams of Spain and Georgia have already met seven times on the football field. The Spanish won six of those matches, while the Georgians celebrated just once. The qualifying matches for Euro-2024 also did not bring anything good for Georgia: defeats 1:7 in Tbilisi and 1:3 in Valladolid.

Georges Mikautadze: The best scorer of the group stage

Despite the difficult path, Georgia has its trump cards. Georges Mikautadze became the real discovery of the tournament, becoming the best scorer of the group stage. His ability to find open spaces and capitalize on his opportunities could be a key factor against Spain.

"We know that Spain is a very strong team, but we are ready to fight until the end," said the head coach of the Georgia national team Willy Sagnol.

Bookmakers bet on Spain, but Georgia is not without chances

Bookmakers give a clear advantage to the Spaniards, accepting bets on their victory at odds of 1.20, while Georgia's success is valued at odds of 15.00. However, football history knows many examples when underdogs turned everything upside down.

Fan support: An important factor

Don't forget the factor of fan support. Georgian fans are known for their passion and dedication, and their support can be an extra boost for the team.

Analytics and prospects: What to expect from the match?

The main question is whether Georgia will be able to find weak spots in Spain's defense. Willy Sagnol's team will certainly bet on quick counter-attacks and standards, where Mikautadze can show himself at his best.

"Our chances are not great, but we will do everything possible to emerge victorious," Sagnol added.

Summary: An important move for both teams

This match will be an important test for both teams. For Spain, this is an opportunity to confirm its status as a favorite, and for Georgia, it is a chance to write a new page in the history of its football. Regardless of the result, this match promises to be exciting and intense.

Editor: Emilia Morozova