Sports

Rodri Rescues Spain before Yamal and Williams run Riot

Spain’s player ratings against Georgia saw Rodri stepping up to save La Roja, while Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams once again dominated the game, Rodri Rescues Spain before Yamal and Williams ran Riot paving the way for an exciting Euro 2024 quarter-final clash with Germany.

Spain, inspired by Rodri, managed to overcome an early scare and secure a 4-1 victory against a resilient Georgia team. The match in Cologne saw Spain dominate possession for most of the first 18 minutes, but a breakaway attack led to an own goal by Robin Le Normand. Despite Georgia’s threat on the counter, Rodri’s brilliant strike before halftime turned the tide. Fabian Ruiz and Nico Williams added to the scoreline, sealing the win before Dani Olmo’s late goal. Now, Spain looks forward to a thrilling quarter-final clash against hosts Germany in Euro 2024.

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Goalkeeper & Defence

Unai Simon (6/10):

Nothing he could do about Le Normand’s own goal but wasn’t tested on the night.

Dani Carvajal (6/10):

Had his hands full with the irrepressible Kvaratskhelia and came off second-best against the flying winger.

Robin Le Normand (5/10):

Failed to deal with Kakabadze’s fizzing cross and the ball squirmed off him and into his net. His place could be under threat for the quarter-finals.

Aymeric Laporte (7/10):

Of the two center-backs, he looked the more dependable one. Showed his experience when it was required.

Marc Cucurella (8/10):

Chelsea must be thinking, ‘Where has this player been?’. In attack and defense, the left-back looked impressive.

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Midfield

Pedri (6/10):

Started with some neat touches and flicks but went into his shell for a while after Georgia’s opener. Was hooked not long after the break after a subpar display.

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Rodri (8/10): (Rodri Rescues Spain)

When players needed to stand up and be counted, the Manchester City man delivered the goods with an excellent finish into the corner. A towering display in midfield.

Fabian Ruiz (7/10):

Like much of his team-mates, began brightly but then was somewhat cowed by going behind. However, he was in the right place at the right time to head in Yamal’s beautiful delivery.

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Attack

Lamine Yamal (7/10):

After a relatively quiet first half by his standards, the 16-year-old burst into life with a magical assist for Spain’s second. Should have grabbed at least one goal on a night that would have been a good learning experience for the Barcelona star.

Alvaro Morata (5/10):

Question marks may be asked over why this man is Spain’s captain. The striker didn’t offer a great deal upfront.

Nico Williams (7/10):

At times, he looked unplayable, but when Spain conceded, the winger appeared seemed a bit predictable. After looking quiet for long periods, Williams scored a goal of individual brilliance to seal the win. Towards the end, he was a joy to watch.

Luis de la Fuente Spain 2024 * Rodri Rescues Spain

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Subs & Manager

Dani Olmo (8/10):

His passes in the final third were a delight and got a deserved goal late on. Putting his hand up to start the next game.

Alejandro Grimaldo (7/10):

Provided a bit more of an attacking threat down the left in a wing-back role.

Mikel Oyarzabal (6/10):

Didn’t do a great deal when introduced.

Jesus Navas (7/10):

Nearly grabbed an assist at the death as he continued to show that age is just a number.

Mikel Merino (N/A):

On to give Rodri a late rest.

Luis de la Fuente (7/10):

His team was stung by conceding first, but they kept their cool, continued playing the same way, and got a crucial goal before half-time. This was their toughest game of the tournament and they did well to overcome this banana skin. De la Fuente’s substitutes also helped give Spain extra control and go on to win comfortably.

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