Spain coach confident ahead of Germany clash

Spain enjoyed almost total control in Sunday's Euro 2024 win over Georgia, and is now looking forward with confidence to a quarterfinal against Germany, coach Luis de la Fuente said.

Spain came back after conceding an own goal to beat Georgia 4-1 in its last-16 tie at the Dusseldorf Arena on Sunday, and was praised by its coach for an efficient performance.

"I think we controlled the game at all times with brilliant stages of play against an opponent that defended really well and was good on the counterattack.

"We need to properly value how important this victory is, because our opponent was a really good team," De la Fuente told a news conference.

Spain fell behind when centerback Robin Le Normand turned Otar Kakabadze's bouncing cross into his own net, but was level again at halftime, before going on to dominate the second half.

"We knew that Georgia's danger came from the transition and counterattack, but they didn't have any shots on goal," De la Fuente added.

"Of course, when they scored we were a bit nervous for a while, but we created so many chances that the result could have been 8-1 to us."

Spain next takes on host Germany in Stuttgart on Friday in the quarterfinals.

"We have a lot of confidence and a team with talent, quality and commitment. Being convinced of your ability is very important. I don't want to offend anyone, but we have the best team at this tournament," said De la Fuente.

"Germany is a fantastic team, they have some of the best players in the world, and they are very organized, very disciplined. But, they will face a team that is very similar to them, very committed, difficult to overcome, hungry and with lots of ambition.

"I know it's the usual thing to say, but in football it's the small details that will decide the match and what happens in the end," he added.

REUTERS