After a flawless group stage Spain have risen in popularity as a pick to win the tournament. Impressive performances in a group labelled the ‘Group of Death’ before the tournament has stunned many who were not familiar with their squad.
La Roja navigated it with ease and will look to go deep into the tournament. But what has stunned even more people is the quality shown by minnows Georgia, who were among the teams that fans were almost certain would exit the competition in the group stages. Their brave and dynamic team put up incredibly spirited performances to advance to the next phase.
NetBet is here for all your online betting needs during Euro 2024 and you can take advantage of our Acca Boost feature throughout the tournament. Read on for our preview of one of the featured games of the weekend.
Spain vs Georgia
Sunday, June 30, 8pm
RheinEnergieStadion, Cologne, Germany
Live on ITV1
Preview
Spain thus far have a spotless record, winning all three of their group games without even conceding a goal. Their squad depth is outstanding and they have one of the most organised and focused teams in the world. Even their second-string team that beat Albania 1-0 had a clear understanding of manager Luis De La Fuente’s ethos. They have an organised and classy defence, adept at contributing to build-up play as well as shot prevention,
Spain’s midfield is among the best in the world with Fabian Ruiz really stepping up to fill Pablo Gavi’s shoes alongside superstars Rodri and Pedri.
And their attacking component is also on the expected level with youngsters Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal causing havoc and providing goal threat, as well as feeding veteran Alvaro Morata who knows nothing but goals in European competitions. They will pose a multitude of problems for this Georgian side that will not be able to match Spain in any area of the field besides heart.
The Georgians have blown any expectations out of the water by qualifying for the knockout stages and their fans will be overjoyed to see their team play again in Europe’s most prestigious international competition. The only downside is their opponents. However, having already beaten giants Portugal, Georgia will not be deterred one bit.
They have shown themselves to be tactically astute and able to manage a game, as well as being able to embrace the chaos and go at teams with everything they have got. Valencia shot stopper Giorgi Mamardashvili is a game winner with his quick reactions and ability to boss the game from the very back.
Their defence is strong and passionate, along with a midfield that will give everything for their country. At the top of the pitch is where they really shine with talisman Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Georges Mikautadze being a force to be reckoned with. Kvara can turn any defender inside out and Mikautadze is the competition’s top scorer so far with three goals.
Odds
Spain will enter the fixture as overwhelming favourites at 1.20 to progress to the quarter finals. Georgia will relish their role as underdogs once again, with odds of 15.00 to complete another upset.
Betting Tips
*Odds are correct at time of publication and subject to change
Livin La Vida Roja
While it is certain Georgia will take the game to Spain, it is undeniable that the La Roja side overall is of a much higher quality. Spain to win and score over 2.5 goals is at 2.36.
(Mor)Atta boy
Spain’s goals in European competition usually have one main source, Morata. The experienced striker has really stepped up over the years and we expect him to do it again. Morata to score is at 1.86 and he is 3.83 to be the games first goalscorer.
Kvaradona
But as we have discussed previously, Georgia have the heart and the tools to hurt Spain in some form. Georgia’s two danger men, Kvaratskhelia and Mikautadze, are at 6.30 and 6.00 respectively to score in the game.
Spain Team News
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Simon, Carvajal, Le Normand, Laporte, Cucurella, F.Ruiz, Rodri, Pedri, Yamal, Morata, Williams
Suspensions: None
Georgia Team News
Predicted XI (5-3-2): Mamardashvili, Kakabadze, Gvelesiani, Kashia, Dvali, Lochoshvili Chakvetadze, Kiteishvili, Kochorashvili Mikautadze, Kvaratskhelia
Suspensions: None
Score Prediction
Spain 4-1 Georgia
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