Spain take on Georgia in the 1/8-finals of UEFA Euro-2026. The match will be played on Sunday, June 30th at RheinEnergieStadion (Cologne).
"La Roja" is one of the tournament favorites, but unlike some teams, they are concerned not only with results but also with the quality and flair of their football. In the first round, Spain thrashed Croatia 3-0, scoring all three goals in the first half. Luis de la Fuente Castillo’s side looked brilliant in attack. When they faltered in defense, their goalkeeper saved them, even stopping a penalty late in the match. In their game against Italy, Spain emerged victorious with a narrow 1-0 win. It felt like two top teams weren't on the field, but rather two teams where one was vastly superior to the other in class. The "Azzurri" were outclassed in terms of shots (4-20) and shots on target (1-8). Spain concluded their group stage with a win over Albania (1-0) using their second-string lineup, showing England and Germany how to play when a place in the playoffs is already secured.
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Georgia has been the main revelation of the group stage of this Euro. The "Crusaders" have already surprised all of Europe by qualifying for the Euro, beating Greece in the decisive match via penalties. In their first match, the Georgians played commendably against Turkey, falling short only due to the difference in class and poor finishing. If Kvaratskhelia and company had scored on their first attack with the score at 1-2... But it ended up 1-3. Then there was a draw with the Czech Republic (1-1), and never mind that the opponent played much better. In the third round of the group stage, Georgia made history by defeating Portugal 2-0. And one can talk all day about how the "European Brazilians" played with their second team and lacked motivation, but that doesn’t diminish the Georgians' achievement. It’s a historic milestone – the team has reached the playoffs.
But, unfortunately, this is their ceiling because every fairy tale has an end sooner or later. The time has come for the Georgians' magical journey across the German fields to conclude. In the Round of 16, the "Crusaders" face the most in-form and strongest team of the tournament (in my opinion) at the moment. The difference in class between the opponents is enormous. This time, the favorite is motivated, unlike in the match against Portugal. They are unlikely to allow as many chances near their goal as Turkey allowed for Georgia. And there won’t be a lucky break like in the match against the Czech Republic either. I expect a routine victory for "La Roja" in their preferred attacking style with at least a two-goal margin. These teams were in the same qualifying group for Euro 2024, and Spain confidently defeated their opponents twice (3-1 and 7-1). I am betting on "La Roja" to secure another convincing victory, while the Georgians return home as heroes for their country. My prediction is a -1.5 goal handicap for the favorite.
Prediction for the match: Spain to win with -1.5 handicap.
