Spain stormed into the Euro 2024 semifinals with a commanding 4-1 victory over Georgia in Stuttgart. This win not only highlighted the team’s attacking prowess but also showcased the depth of talent and diversity in the Spanish squad.
Early Setback and Resilience
Despite creating an impressive 35 shots on goal, Spain faced an initial setback when Robin Le Normand's own goal gave Georgia an early lead. Spain, however, demonstrated remarkable composure and tactical maturity to turn the tide. “We were calm at half-time, there was no anxiety and the players knew what was needed,” said Spain's coach Luis de la Fuente, reflecting the confidence and focus instilled in his team.
It didn’t take long for Spain to recover. Rodri, who was instrumental throughout the match, scored the equalizer, further solidifying his role as a linchpin in the team. De la Fuente was full of praise, stating, “Rodri is a computer who makes everyone else play.” Rodri’s performance earned him the Player of the Match accolade from UEFA, a testament to his significant influence on the pitch.
Young Talents Shine
Spain’s resurgence continued as Fabián Ruiz, Nico Williams, and Dani Olmo found the back of the net, setting the stage for victory. Among these stars, 16-year-old Lamine Yamal stood out with his dynamic performance. Yamal, now the youngest player to feature in the knockout rounds of a major tournament, also became the first European teenager to assist in two or more goals at such a stage since Cristiano Ronaldo at Euro 2004. “He is 16 and he is still learning. Today is great for that and for what is to come in the immediate future,” said de la Fuente, expressing optimism for the young prodigy’s future.
Georgia's Historic Journey
On the other side, Georgia’s journey to the quarterfinals marked a historic milestone as it was their first appearance in a major tournament. Despite being the lowest-ranked team in the competition, they managed to reach the knockout stages, a commendable feat for coach Willy Sagnol and his squad. Sagnol expressed mixed emotions after the match, “We are not disappointed but feel sad because we lost. I am sure in some days we will realize what we have done and happiness will come back quickly.”
However, Sagnol also voiced his frustration over an offside decision, “It was clearly offside. If [Netherlands defender] Denzel Dumfries is offside [against France] then that was 10 times more offside today.” He criticized the implementation of VAR, noting, “Players and staff don't understand anymore. VAR is a great thing, but maybe [we should] wait until we know how to use it properly.”
Semifinal Showdown
Looking ahead, Spain faces a formidable challenge as they prepare to take on tournament hosts Germany in the semifinals. De la Fuente acknowledged the task at hand, noting, “With all respect to all the other national teams, we have the best team and the best players. Does that mean we’re going to win it? No, but we will fight for it.” He highlighted the importance of focusing on strengths and continuing to improve.
Germany’s disciplined and well-organized style will test Spain’s blend of experienced campaigners and youthful exuberance. Rodri emphasized Spain’s determined mentality, “Germany will be strong at home, but we aren’t afraid. We must produce a good performance, but we are not here to play well or leave a good image, we are here to win with everything we have -- that is the mentality of this team.”
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on this clash of giants, where tactical acumen and individual brilliance could make the difference. Spain's blend of seasoned players and emerging stars sets the stage for an enthralling encounter against a robust German side, offering fans a remarkable spectacle in the semifinals.