Following a flawless run in the group rounds, Spain is set to clash with Georgia in the Euro 2024 knockout stage. Georgia advanced after nabbing a shocking victory against Portugal.
Luis de la Fuente emphasized Spain’s determination not to underestimate the Euro 2024 dark horse, Georgia, in the upcoming round of 16 bout. Sweeping through the dreaded ‘group of death’, Spain triumphed in all bouts against Croatia, Italy, and Albania, without letting slip a single goal.
Georgia, by contrast, secured their spot high among the best third placers, notably after a gutsy 2-0 shutdown of Portugal in their climactic group match.
Previously, in the qualifiers for Euro 2024, the Spanish team hammered Georgia 7-1 on their turf, a clash still vivid in the minds of many. De la Fuente, however, applauded Georgia’s progress since that thrashing, anticipating a far stiffer challenge in this encounter.
“The match in Georgia was brewing with tension,” De la Fuente reflected, “We emerged bonded like kinfolk, fortified by the trials.”
He looked ahead. “With the next challenge, essentially a new tournament begins for us. We’re gearing up for a bumpy ride and will arm ourselves with our finest strategies to clinch the win.”
“In football, the unexpected is the norm, and I reckon it will stay that way. Georgia’s take-down of Portugal is proof enough,” he continued. He stressed the importance of respect, diligence, and destigmatizing their opponents to avoid a similar fate.
“The Georgians are swift on breaks and lethal in set piece situations. We’ve got to stay sharp, and keep our defense tight, lest we get caught off-guard,” he concluded.
