Spain showcased their reinvigorated style and confidence as they progressed from a challenging group, culminating in a skillful and assured performance on Sunday. Demonstrating their newfound attacking prowess, Spain dominated the match against Georgia, a team that exceeded expectations by advancing to the knockout stages of their first major tournament. Despite Georgia’s remarkable achievement, Spain's 4-1 victory was a testament to their patience and flair on the field.
The match saw Spain frequently testing Georgia's in-form goalkeeper, Giorgi Mamardashvili, before conceding their first goal of the tournament, an own goal by Robin Le Normand. However, Spain remained composed, and Rodri's equalizer ensured the score was level at halftime. Spain's dynamic play continued unabated, highlighted by Fabian Ruiz's go-ahead goal and late strikes from Nico Williams and Dani Olmo, which underscored their dominance.
Williams and fellow winger Lamine Yamal were relentless threats, showcasing their skills and creativity, although the Georgia defense admirably contained most of their efforts outside the penalty area. Rodri’s consistent playmaking, reminiscent of his performances for Manchester City, combined with Marc Cucurella's tireless runs and Ruiz’s precise distribution, ensured Spain's midfield control. The team's staggering 35 shots on goal, with 13 on target, exemplified the tactical evolution under coach Luis de la Fuente, moving away from possession for possession's sake to a more direct and effective approach.
Spain’s impressive run, which included dismissals of Croatia, Italy, and Albania, culminated in this commanding win, reminiscent of their 4-0 triumph over Italy in the Euro 2012 final. This victory marked the first time in recent years that Spain secured a knockout stage win in normal time at a major tournament, breaking a streak of matches that extended into extra time. The upcoming challenge against a revitalized Germany in Stuttgart will further test Spain's commitment to their newly embraced attacking philosophy.
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