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‘Bold’ Giorgi Mamardashvili claims Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is better than the entire Spanish team ahead of Round of 16 tie

Originally posted on FirstSportz | By Sherwin Shaju | Last updated Jun 29, 2024 12:44 PM ET

Georgia booked their spot in the Round of 16 of the Euros after a unbelievable win against Portugal on the final matchday in Group F. Goals from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Georges Mikautadze did the job for the underdogs as Georgia qualified for the knockouts as one of the four best third placed teams in the group stage. Ahead of the most important game in their national team’s history, Georgia keeper Giorgi Mamardashvili sent out a warning for the Spanish national team.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia‘s heroics has proven to be the difference for Georgia at the Euros. As the knockouts kick off with Switzerland taking on Italy, Georgia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili is confident that their No.7 will come in clutch against Spain. Kvaratskhelia’s goal against Portugal and his unbelievable display against the men in red earned him the Player Of The Match award as well.

I think he's (Kvaratskhelia) better than all of Spain. We are a small country but have a big heart and the will to fight as hard as possible. I'm not going to say that we're going to win. Giorgi Mamardashvili told Marca

Mamardashvili (Georgian goalkeeper): "Kvaratskhelia is better than all the Spain players." pic.twitter.com/mcj5rcLWJP
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) June 28, 2024

Despite their exciting run to the knockouts, Georgia have historically struggled against Spain, winning just one of their last 7 meetings. One must also remember that Spain boasts the likes of Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams in their line-up.

What to expect as Spain take on Georgia in the knockouts

Both Spain and Georgia booked their respective spots in the knockouts of the 2024 Euros in very different ways. While La Roja steamrolled their opponents in all three games, Georgia required a historical win against Portugal on the final matchday to do so. Spain also clinched the record of not letting in a single goal in the group stages while also scoring a total of five goals.

After resting a significant portion of his players against Albania, coach Luis de la Fuente will look to field his best XI against Georgia. Pedri , Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams will all be ready to face Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and his supporting cast on June 30th. Even though Spain are clear favorites to win the tie, Georgia cannot be written off completely.

Last time Spain played Georgia. pic.twitter.com/aT9QlLptPW
— Nico (@Nico15__) June 26, 2024

They boast the top scorer of the competition in Georges Mikautadze, whose calm and composed penalty against Portugal landed him with three goals – a record that no other player has at the tournament. BBC pundit Chris Sutton claimed that Spain are currently the team to beat at the Euros, even though the former Aston Villa man has France winning the entire thing.

This article first appeared on FirstSportz and was syndicated with permission.

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