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

As Spain prepare to take on Georgia at the Euros, Giorgi Mamardashvili has a bold message for La Roja.

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

Giorgi Mamardashvili thinks Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is better than any player that Spain has at the 2024 Euros (Via X/@UEFAEuro2024)

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.

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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

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.

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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.

Lamine Yamal
Lamine Yamal and co. will look to continue their dominant run at the Euros against Georgia (Via IMAGO)

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.

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.

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