The matchups between Spain and Georgia in international football reflect the contrasting dynamics of a global football powerhouse and a rising underdog. This article delves into their statistical history, recent performances, and what makes this rivalry captivating for football fans worldwide.
Head-to-Head Record: Dominance vs. Ambition
Spain and Georgia have faced each other eight times in official competitions and friendly matches. The statistics heavily favor Spain, showcasing their consistency and tactical supremacy:
Total Matches Played: 8
Spain Wins: 7
Georgia Wins: 1
Goals Scored: Spain 23 – 6 Georgia.
First Encounter: September 2012, during FIFA World Cup qualifiers (Spain won 1-0).
Last Encounter: June 2024, UEFA European Championship (Spain won 4-1).
Historic Matches Between Spain and Georgia
September 2012: FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
This match was their first official meeting. Spain narrowly defeated Georgia 1-0, thanks to a late strike by Roberto Soldado. Despite Spain’s dominance in possession, Georgia’s compact defensive setup made it a challenging contest.
June 2016: Georgia’s Historic Victory
In a shocking result, Georgia secured a 1-0 win in a friendly match against Spain. Tornike Okriashvili scored the only goal, marking Georgia’s first and only victory against the Spanish side. This match remains a landmark moment for Georgia, showcasing their potential to upset football giants.
September 2023: A Goal Fest
Spain delivered a commanding performance in a UEFA Euro qualifier, defeating Georgia 7-1. Álvaro Morata scored a hat trick, highlighting Spain’s attacking firepower. This result emphasized Spain’s superiority but also underscored Georgia’s struggles to contain elite teams.
Performance Metrics: Breaking Down the Stats
Goals and Scoring Trends
Spain’s Average Goals Per Game: 2.9
Georgia’s Average Goals Per Game: 0.75
Spain’s attacking efficiency has consistently outmatched Georgia, with standout performances from key players like Álvaro Morata, Ferran Torres, and Dani Olmo.
Possession and Passing Accuracy
Spain dominates possession in nearly every matchup, often exceeding 65%. Their passing accuracy, spearheaded by midfield maestros like Pedri and Rodri, hovers around 90%, making it challenging for Georgia to disrupt their rhythm
Defensive Resilience
Spain’s defensive structure, led by players like Aymeric Laporte and Dani Carvajal, ensures minimal goal concessions. Georgia, while disciplined, often struggles against Spain’s high-intensity attacks.
Key Players in the Rivalry
Spain
Álvaro Morata: A prolific scorer, Morata has been instrumental in multiple wins against Georgia.
Pedri: The young midfielder’s creativity and vision drive Spain’s attacking play.
Rodri: As a defensive midfielder, Rodri provides balance, ensuring Spain’s possession game translates into defensive stability.
Georgia
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia: Known as the “Georgian Messi,” Kvaratskhelia brings flair and creativity, often creating problems for Spain’s defense.
Giorgi Loria: The experienced goalkeeper has delivered standout performances despite facing overwhelming opposition.
Jaba Kankava: A tenacious midfielder who anchors Georgia’s defensive efforts.
The Tactical Battle: Contrasting Styles
Spain
Spain’s gameplay revolves around short, intricate passes and sustained possession. Their 4-3-3 formation enables fluid transitions from defense to attack, with wing players stretching the opposition’s defense.
Georgia
Georgia relies on counterattacks and set pieces to exploit defensive lapses. Their compact defensive setup aims to frustrate Spain, forcing errors and capitalizing on them with quick transitions.
The Significance of This Rivalry
The Spain vs. Georgia rivalry epitomizes the gap between football’s elite and its aspirants. While Spain’s dominance is evident in the stats, Georgia’s determination to compete on the biggest stage cannot be overlooked. Each match brings an opportunity for Georgia to improve and for Spain to showcase why they remain a global football superpower.
This rivalry also underscores the evolving nature of international football, where even underdogs like They are capable of producing moments of brilliance. As fans anticipate future encounters, this matchup will continue to captivate with its blend of skill, strategy, and passion.
FAQs
What is the head-to-head record between Spain and Georgia?
Spain and Georgia have faced each other eight times in international matches. Spain dominates the record with seven wins, while Georgia has secured one historic victory. The matches include FIFA World Cup qualifiers, UEFA European Championship qualifiers, and friendlies.
When did Georgia beat Spain?
Georgia’s only victory against Spain came on June 7, 2016, in an international friendly match. The game ended 1-0 in favor of Georgia, with Tornike Okriashvili scoring the decisive goal. This upset remains one of the most memorable moments in Georgia’s football history.
What are the highest-scoring games in this rivalry?
The highest-scoring match between Spain and Georgia occurred on September 8, 2023, during a UEFA European Championship qualifier. Spain triumphed with a commanding 7-1 victory, showcasing their offensive firepower.
How many goals has Spain scored against Georgia?
Spain has scored a total of 23 goals across their eight encounters with Georgia. This reflects their dominance in attack and ability to break down Georgia’s defense.
How does Georgia’s attack perform against Spain?
It has managed to score six goals in their matches against Spain, averaging 0.75 goals per game. While their offensive performance is modest compared to Spain’s, moments of brilliance, such as their 2016 victory, have demonstrated their potential.
In Summary
The rivalry between Spain and Georgia, though one-sided in terms of results, offers valuable insights into the dynamics of international football. Spain’s dominance reflects their tactical sophistication and squad depth, while Georgia’s solitary win serves as an example of underdog resilience.
For Spain, these encounters are opportunities to fine-tune their strategies for major tournaments, while for Georgia, playing against a team of Spain’s caliber provides invaluable experience. The contrasting styles and moments of brilliance ensure that this rivalry remains engaging for fans.
Looking ahead, Georgia’s growing footballing infrastructure and emerging talents like Kvaratskhelia may help narrow the gap. Meanwhile, Spain will continue to set the benchmark, emphasizing why they are considered one of the greatest footballing nations in history.
To read more, Click here.
