PAP/EPA / PAP/EPA/ R. GARCIA / Khvicha Kvaratskhelia scored for the guests in the match between Spain and Georgia
The Spanish national team had some problems in the match against Georgia in Valladolid. By halftime the match was tied 1-1. In the 2nd half, the hosts proved their superiority and won 3:1. Gavi left the pitch with an injury in the first half.
Before the last round of qualifying for Euro 2024, the situation in Group A was clear. The Spanish and Scots were confident of advancing. The Norwegians and Georgians were left to fight for 3rd place by correspondence. In turn, the leading teams tried to win the group. The Spaniards were in a better situation, only needing a point to achieve their goal.
In Valladolid, the hosts quickly opened the scoring. In the 4th minute, Ferran Torres took a free kick from the left side, Robin Le Normand got the ball and shot it into the net from close range.
Five minutes later, the second goal for the Spaniards should have been scored. Then Dani Carvajal withdrew to Gavi in the penalty area. The shot was deflected by the goalkeeper, and Nico Williams’s correction went over the crossbar.
A few dozen seconds later it was a draw. The first dangerous action of the guests ended with a goal. Giorgi Chakvetadze played perpendicularly to Khwicza Kwaracchelia, who in a one-on-one situation shot past the goalkeeper.
After conceding a goal, the Spaniards were looking to take the lead again. In the 22nd minute, Fabian Ruiz took a dangerous free kick, Giorgi Mamardashvili managed to hit the ball. Four minutes later, Gavi left the pitch with a knee injury. The injury looked serious.
The hosts could have scored a second goal in the 32nd minute when Alvaro Morata scored. A shot from three meters was deflected by the visiting goalkeeper with his foot. By the end of the premiere, the Spaniards did not create any clearer opportunities.
After the break, the Georgians included: Nika Kwekweskiri from Lech Poznań and Otar Kakabadze from Cracovia they still paid more attention to defense, they look for opportunities in counterattacks.
In the 52nd minute, Rodri scored a header from about 13 meters. Giorgi Mamardashvili did a great job and managed to parry the shot. Three minutes later, the Spaniards were leading again. Nico Williams played into the penalty area. The oncoming Jose Gaya delivered a precise cross, and Ferran Torres beat the goalkeeper with a header.
Georgia was once again able to respond quickly. Kwaracchelia’s free kick attempt went just over the goal.
The hosts did not intend to give up the initiative and looked for closure. The Spaniards succeeded in the 72nd minute. Lamine Yamala passed the ball from the right side and Luka Lochosvili headed the ball into his own goal.
Until the end of the match, the Spaniards did not allow their opponents to do much and achieved a two-goal victory without any major problems.
Spain – Georgia 3:1 (1:1)
1-0 – Le Normand 4′
1:1 – Kwaracchelia 10′
2:1 – Torres 55′
3:1 – Lochoshvili (self) 72′
Compositions:
Spain: Unai Simon – Dani Carvajal, Robin Le Normand, Inigo Martinez, Jose Gaya – Gavi (26′ Oihan Sancet), Rodri (86′ Martin Zubimendi), Fabian Ruiz – Ferran Torres (65′ Lamine Yamal), Alvaro Morata, Nico Williams ( 86′ Rodrigo Riquelme).
Georgia: Giorgi Mamardashvili – Otar Kakabadze (90′ V. Mamuchashvili), Solomon Kvirkvelia, Guram Kashia, Luka Lochoshvili, Irakli Azarovi (78′ G. Gocholeishvili) – Giorgi Chakvetadze (90′ Sandro Altunashvili), Nika Kwekweskiri (60′ Anzor Mekvabishvili), Giorgi Kochorashvili – Georges Mikautadze (60′ Zuriko Davitashvili), Khvicha Kwaracchelia.
Yellow cards: Rodri, Martinez (Spain) and Kwaracchelia, Kashia (Georgia).
Judge: Ovidiu Hategan (Romania).
Viewers: 24,146.
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Six goals were scored in the match between the Scots and the Norwegians. The guests, playing without Erling Haaland, took the lead twice. The hosts managed to score 2-2 before the break. In the 59th minute, Stuart Armstrong scored the third goal for the local team. That wasn’t the end of the shooting. Mohamed Elyounoussi equalized the score in the 86th minute.
Scotland – Norway 3:3 (2:2)
0:1 – Donnum 3′
1:1 – McGinn (k.) 13′
1:2 – Larsen 20′
2:2 – Ostigard (solo) 33′
3:2 – Armstrong 59′
3:3 – Elyounoussi 86′
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