Georgia vs Spain: Head to head statistics
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Georgia vs Spain match preview
When last we saw them, Spain were crowned UEFA Nations League champions for the very first time, but they must now refocus on European Championship qualifying.
Back in June, la Roja triumphed in the Nations League Finals, first defeating Italy 2-1 in the semi-finals in Enschede, courtesy of Joselu’s last-gasp winner.
Three days later, they played out a rather unmemorable goalless draw against Croatia at De Kuip, before prevailing in the subsequent shootout, with Dani Carvajal converting the decisive kick.
Now, the Nations League champions return to qualification action, and Luis de la Fuente’s team certainly have work to do.
Back in March, Spain began this campaign by beating Norway 3-0 at La Rosaleda, before suffering a shock 2-0 defeat to Scotland at Hampden three days later.
This actually leaves la Roja fourth in a very competitive Group A, above only pointless Cyprus, albeit there’s no need to panic just yet, as they do have games in hand.
Willy Sagnol’s team held Norway to a 1-1 draw in Batumi in their group opener, before a 2-1 victory over Cyprus, courtesy of Zuriko Davitashvili’s last-gasp winner in Larnaca.
The Crusaders’ unbeaten start came to an end last time out, defeated 2-0 by Scotland in the unrelenting Glaswegian rain, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s skied penalty bookending a miserable night for the away side.
Having topped their Nations League C group last year, Georgia are guaranteed a play-off place, which they’ll surely need, given that a top two finish seems unlikely.
However, Tbilisi is a tough place to go, as Spain found out themselves as recently as March 2021.
Back then, la Roja had to come from a goal down to prevail 2-1, with Dani Olmo scoring a spectacular stoppage time winner that night.
This time, can Georgia pull off a major shock at Boris Paichadze Dinamo Arena?
Georgia team news
It’s impossible to talk about Georgia without mentioning Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who’s scored ten times in just 22 caps at senior level, including netting the last time Spain visited Tbilisi.
These days, Giorgi Mamardashvili is number one, succeeding long-time goalkeeper Giorgi Loria, while captain Guram Kashia will win his 105th cap in defence.
Spain team news
Luis de la Fuente has given minutes to more than two dozen players in just four matches so far, making his team unpredictable.
Pedri and Thiago are out injured, but 16 year old Lamine Yamal is in this squad, set to make his senior international debut, having shone for Barcelona in the first month of this season.
In goal, Kepa Arrizabalaga is the most-likely starter, although it wouldn’t be too surprising to see either Unai Simón or David Raya donning the gloves.
33 year old Joselu’s international career could hardly have gone any better so far, netting twice on his debut against Norway, before bagging the winner against Italy in June, picking up silverware three days later.
Euro 2024 qualifying Group A table
Euro 2024 qualifying Group A results and fixtures
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