by Spain’s head coach, Luis de la Fuente, has been enjoying his team’s success and the unpredictable waiting game for Euro 2024. As group action ended, Spain announced its next opponent in Cologne on Sunday, having been unsure about the identity for a week.
De la Fuente claims his team is the best in the tournament, but he and his staff spent hours researching and preparing for 11 potential rivals before settling on an inspired underdog, ensuring their team’s success.
Georgia, ranked No. 74 globally, is a formidable opponent for teams due to their diverse squad of 26 players, including those from Cyprus, Azerbaijan, Iran, and Slovakia. This squad is expected to require more time for Spain’s backroom, as Georgia’s Euro 2024 victory over Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal sparked national joy and led to a gift of over $9 million to the team by its billionaire former prime minister.
Spain and Georgia were in the same group during qualifying for the tournament, and Spain won 7-1 on the road in Tbilisi and 3-1 at home in Valladolid. Much legwork was already stashed on the hard drive, and de la Fuente’s mood hasn’t been affected by a lack of sleep.
Spain’s performance in the tournament is attributed to its young players, Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal, who are both rising stars. Spain’s current mood is a match for anyone, and there is no need to be scared. De la Fuente praised Spain’s achievements and urged them to not put a brake on enthusiasm and hope. The group’s accomplishments demonstrate their potential.
Spain, facing the Group of Death, embraced optimism and hope with a smile. They won Group B against Italy, Croatia, and Albania with a game left, allowing them to predict their Round of 16 clash. However, they had to wait until this Wednesday to determine their opponent, as they knew the location and timing of their match.
De la Fuente, a meticulous plotter, is expected to reacquaint himself with offensive threats from Georges Mikautadze and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia by kickoff time. He expects to study more due to the lack of sleep. Mikautadze is the top scorer in the tournament, while Giorgi Mamardashvili was brilliant against Portugal. Spain is a strong team with an impressive level of talent and growing confidence, both within the group and from the nation’s eagerness to return home.
In a major tournament group, Spain has won every game without giving up a goal—a feat never before attained. De la Fuente praised the talented and ambitious players, stating that if they continue working with humility, they have the chance to experience something historic. Although they may not win, De la Fuente believes they are the best and is obliged to inform his players.
