Ahead of Georgia’s UEFA Euro 2024 Round of 16 clash with Spain, goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili praised team-mate and Napoli winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Kvaratskhelia shone in Georgia’s surprising 2-0 win over Portugal, and while the Valencia stopper respects Spain’s football pedigree, he remains confident in his team.
What did Giorgi Mamardashvili say ahead of Spain vs Georgia?
When asked about Kvaratskhelia’s threat, Mamardashvili told Spanish publication Marca, “I think he’s better than all of Spain.” Despite his high praise, the Tbilisi-born 23-year-old acknowledged the challenge ahead, saying, “For me, Spain is the big favourite to win the Euros. Georgia, on the other hand, is a small country, but with a big heart, and we have to fight as hard as possible to see what happens. I’m not going to say that we are going to win. What we have to do is fight until the end and see what happens.”
How has Georgia’s Euro 2024 journey been?
Georgia has already made history by qualifying for their first-ever European Championship and continues to break new ground with each game. They scored their first goal in the competition, secured their first victory, and have now advanced to the knockout stages, venturing into uncharted territory. As they prepare for the biggest game in their footballing history against Spain, the team remains focused and determined.
The next challenge for Mamardashvili, Kvaratskhelia, and the Georgian squad is to take on Spain on Sunday night in Cologne. The winner of this match will face either tournament hosts Germany or Denmark in the quarter-finals on July 5 in Stuttgart. Georgia’s journey has already been remarkable, and they aim to continue defying expectations in their quest for glory at Euro 2024.
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