Following the conclusion of the Euro 2024 group stages, Spain remain the only team to win all their games ahead of their last-16 tie against Georgia in Cologne.
La Roja ended their group campaign with a 1-0 victory over Albania that featured a much-changed side, with Ferran Torres' early strike enough to secure the win.
However, they will face a Georgia side brimming with self-belief after their maiden triumph at a major international tournament over Portugal last time out.
Willy Sagnol's side have captured the hearts of football fans across the world, but know the enormity of the task ahead of them, with these teams having played against each other during qualifying.
Many expect Spain to maintain their winning start at Euro 2024, but as this tournament has proved already, anything can happen.
Here, we use Opta data to preview Sunday's clash.
What's expected?
Spain are expected to win this one, with the Opta supercomputer handing them a dominant 75% chance of getting the job done in Cologne.
Georgia triumphed in just 10.7% in the data-led simulations, with a draw forecast slightly higher at 14.4%.
This will be Spain's eighth meeting with Georgia, but their first at a major tournament. La Roja have won six of their seven matches against the minnows in all competitions, all of which have been since 2012.
Spain won both qualifying games by an aggregate score of 10-2 (7-1 away, 3-1 home), but the tournament version of Georgia could present a much sterner test.
And Luis de la Fuente's team must approach with caution, as Spain's recent record in the knockout stages has been far from impressive.
They were eliminated in the last 16 of the 2018 World Cup and 2022 World Cup, losing on penalties to Russia and Morocco respectively, though they did reach the semi-finals of Euro 2020.
With much of the spotlight on Spain's attack, their defence has impressed, and they are yet to concede a goal in Germany. The last time they managed to keep four consecutive clean sheets at a major tournament was back in 2012 (a run of five) – the last time they claimed silverware.
Spain's vibrant attackers are also set to come up against the tournament's in-form goalkeeper.
Georgia's Giorgi Mamardashvili, who plays for Valencia, has saved 16 of the last 17 shots on target he has faced at Euro 2024, and he could be in for another busy day.
Willy Sagnol's side faced the most shots (71), most on target (25), and had the highest xG conceded (8.1) of any nation in the group stage, with the only side to face more than 71 shots in the group stage of a Euros being Latvia in 2004 (86).
However, Georgia's performances in Group F have given them the confidence to be fearless against the three-time European Champions. A win will see them become the fourth team since the quarter-finals were introduced to reach that stage in their first Euros.
Spain's depth of quality
Riding the crest of a new wave of emerging talent, Spain are back among the best teams in world football, with Luis Enrique's possession obsession having gone stale.
De la Fuente made 10 changes against Albania, and their strength in depth, which has lacked in major tournaments gone by, is definitely a key quality.
Torres, for example, scored the only goal against Albania and has now seen him directly involved in seven goals across nine appearances for Spain under De la Fuente (five goals, two assists), with no Spain player being involved in more goals under him, but the Barcelona forward is unlikely to start on Sunday.
Dani Olmo provided his fourth assist at the European Championship finals on what was his seventh such appearance, with only Cesc Fabregas providing more for Spain in the competition since records began in 1964 (five), but he too has had to settle for a back-up role in Germany.
And finally, Alex Grimaldo created five chances against Albania, the most of any Spanish defender in a single match at a major tournament on record (since 1980). Yet Marc Cucurella was preferred at left-back in the first two matches.
It is likely that a more familiar Spanish side will take to the pitch, but the head coach will have confidence in his bench players to make an impact, should they be needed.
Attack is the best form of defence for Georgia
Georgia are under no illusions that they must upset the odds to keep their fairytale run at Euro 2024 alive, but getting on the front foot early, as they did against Portugal, seems to be their best hope.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia's goal after 01:32 is the earliest Portugal has ever conceded in the competition, and another Georgian will be hard-pressed to break what is now a national record at a major tournament.
Georges Mikautadze's penalty ensured Georgia inflicted the Selecao's first competitive defeat under coach Roberto Martínez.
They became the first European nation to qualify from the group stage in their first major tournament since Iceland at Euro 2016 and have the attacking talent to continue their journey.
Kvaratskhelia proved a considerable thorn in Portugal's side during their encounter, registering the joint-most shots (three) of anyone on the pitch while leading the way in shots on target (two) and touches in the opposition box (four) for Georgia.
On the other hand, they conceded 22 shots and had just 27.6% possession, but showcased their clinical nature, outperforming their expected goals (xG) by 0.35.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Spain - Lamine Yamal
At 17, Lamine Yamal has taken to his first major tournament like a seasoned professional as he continues to impress on the international stage.
Yamal is yet to find the back of the net for La Roja in Germany, but registered an assist for Dani Carvajal's header against Croatia in their opening game.
And his creativity, along with that of Nico Williams, in wide areas could be pivotal. They have each created 5+ chances and completed 5+ dribbles at Euro 2024. This is the first time multiple players have done so for Spain in a group stage at a major tournament since Andres Iniesta and David Silva at Euro 2016.
Georgia - Georges Mikautadze
If you said a striker from the lowest-ranked team in the tournament would be the top scorer after the group stages, many would have scoffed. But Georgia and Mikautadze continue to rip up the script in Germany.
Mikautadze has played a part in all four of Georgia’s goals at Euro 2024, scoring three and setting up another, with his latest strike coming from the penalty spot in their triumph over Portugal.
He became only the fourth player to score in each of his country's first three matches at the Euros after Gareth Bale for Wales (2016), Hristo Stoichkov for Bulgaria (1996) and Viktor Ponedelnik for USSR (1960 & 1964).
Euro 2024 Data Dive: England scrape through after late drama, Spain make statement
It was another dramatic day in the Euro 2024 knockout rounds, as two more teams booked their places in the quarter-finals.
England fought back from the jaws of defeat as they secured an extra-time win over Slovakia to set up a meeting with Switzerland in the last eight.
Meanwhile, Spain broke Georgia hearts with their comeback victory, and will play Germany in an eye-catching last-eight tie.
Here, we round up the best Opta statistics from the second day of the last 16.
England 2-1 Slovakia (aet): Bellingham, Kane prove late heroes
It looked like England were going to make an embarrassing early exit from the tournament, until Jude Bellingham stepped up with a spectacular overhead kick in stoppage time before Harry Kane netted the winner.
Timed at 94 minutes and 34 seconds, Bellingham's goal was the latest ever for England in normal time at the Euros, coming from the Three Lions' first shot on target after a largely toothless performance.
Kane, on his record-breaking 79th competitive appearance for England, got the timing right too, heading home just 50 seconds into extra time for the fastest goal scored in that period in the competition's history.
The England captain has now scored 14 goals at major tournaments (World Cup and Euros), with only four European players netting more than him – Cristiano Ronaldo (22), Miroslav Klose (19), Gerd Muller (18) and Jurgen Klinsmann (16).
It marked the fourth game that England have won from a losing position at the European Championships as well, after losing their first six such matches.
Only France (five) have ever won more matches when conceding first in the competition, and that late, late show left Slovakia stunned after being just moments from a famous victory in Gelsenkirchen.
Ivan Schranz's third goal at this Euros seemed set to take the headlines, with only Robert Vittek (four) at the 2010 World Cup ever scoring more at a single major tournament for Slovakia, but the forward will not get a chance to equal that record.
Spain 4-1 Georgia: La Roja march on with comeback win
Spain are the only team in the tournament to win all of their games so far, and survived an early scare to come out on top in Cologne thanks to second-half goals from Fabian Ruiz, Nico Williams and Dani Olmo.
Robin Le Normand's 18th-minute own goal saw Luis de la Fuente's side concede for the first time at Euro 2024, only for Spain to rally to the biggest margin of victory by a team that conceded first in the competition.
Spain amassed 17 shots on goal in the first half but only Rodri's first major tournament goal hit the net. It is the most on record (since 1980) by a team in the opening half of a European Championship knockout game.
Indeed, La Roja's 35 shots overall were their most in a single match at either the World Cup (since 1966) or the Euros.
It was the youngsters who stole the spotlight once more as Lamine Yamal got his second assist at the Euros, with Cristiano Ronaldo the last teenager to tee up multiple goals at a single edition (Euro 2004 when he helped Portugal reach the final).
Williams, meanwhile, became the first player on record at the European Championships (since 1980) to score a goal, assist another and complete 100% of his passes (46/46) in a game he started.
Georgia's fairytale was ended by a familiar, formidable foe as they have now lost all seven of their competitive meetings with Spain, conceding 23 goals and netting just four of their own.
Euro 2024 social round-up: Bellingham brilliance, Sheeran and Ferdinand toast to England
The Euro 2024 knockout stages are well underway as England and Spain edged into the quarter-finals on Sunday.
Gareth Southgate's side were saved by Jude Bellingham's brilliance and an extra-time finish by Harry Kane to defeat Slovakia in Gelsenkirchen.
Spain were at their usual best, despite an early scare, as they swept aside Georgia to continue their impressive start to this European Championship.
With more last-16 action around the corner, we take a look back at the day's best bits across social media.
Beauty from Bellingham
Bellingham proved England's hero in Gelsenkirchen, levelling after 94 minutes in their last-16 clash with Slovakia.
The Real Madrid midfielder crashed in a remarkable overhead-kick equaliser, leaving supporters, team-mates and pundits in awe of the 21-year-old's salvaging act.
England's official X account shared an image of Bellingham flying through midair before cannoning past Martin Dubrakva – a photo telling a thousand stories at Arena AufSchalke.
Pedri takes UEFA behind the scenes
Spain midfielder Pedri played an integral role once again as La Roja overcame Georgia to reach the last eight.
Yet the Barcelona man was in action behind the camera prior to that, taking UEFA's official social media account on a day behind the scenes at the Spain camp.
From conversations at a team media day to joking with his Spanish colleagues, Pedri was in a cheery mood, one that will only have improved after Sunday's victory.
Bradley 'the boss' Barcola
France are preparing for a last-16 meeting against Belgium on Monday, touching down in Dusseldorf as they hope to go deeper into this tournament.
Didier Deschamps needs a performance after an unconvincing Group D showing, though Les Bleus appear united in their efforts.
Ibrahima Konate was even caught offering team-mate Bradley Barcola a new nickname, but who knows whether his "boss" tag will stick.
Red Devils hit Dusseldorf before France test
Belgium may have come under scrutiny for a drab Group E performance, but the Red Devils appeared in a laidback manner ahead of their clash with France.
Domenico Tedesco's side were all snapped by the Belgian media as they hit the ground in Dusseldorf before Monday's meeting.
Oranje hotting up for Romania
Romania were the surprise package at this Euros after topping Group E, with their reward a last-16 clash with the Netherlands in Munich.
Ronald Koeman's Oranje were seen being put through their paces ahead of that fixture as Cody Gakpo was caught on camera in pre-match training.
All smiles from the hosts
Kai Havertz's penalty and a finish from Jamal Musiala was enough to see Julian Nagelsmann's Euro 2024 hosts past Denmark in the last 16 on Saturday.
The downpour and thunderstorm that stopped the clash in Dortmund did not seem to dampen the mood of any Germany player either.
Emre Can, Musiala and Leroy Sane were all smiles as Germany's official X account shared behind-the-scenes photos after full-time.
Sheeran and Ferdinand backing England
Bellingham's heroics may have had England supporters celebrating across Germany and at home, but two familiar faces were together to toast Sunday's success.
Former Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand joined by music star Ed Sheeran, sharing a post to tell the world 'It's coming home'.
Whether Southgate can deliver that remains to be seen as the England manager continues to search for his 'A Team'.
Albart living it up in Cologne
Euros mascots are always an interesting thing to look out for, thinking back to the likes of Pinocchio (Italy 1980) and Goaliath (England 1996).
Germany have their very own furry friend, Albart, and the mascot is living it up as this tournament progresses on home soil.
Albart was whipping up the crowd before Spain's 4-1 hammering of Georgia, and the mascot will be hoping he has more to celebrate when Germany meet La Roja on Friday.
Spain 4-1 Georgia: La Roja complete emphatic comeback to set up Germany meeting
Spain avoided an early Euro 2024 scare against Georgia to make it into the quarter-finals with a 4-1 comeback victory in Cologne.
Rodri cancelled out Robin Le Normand's 18th-minute own goal before the break on Sunday, and a spirited Spain rallied in the second half to leave Georgia powerless.
Fabian Ruiz fired Spain into the lead shortly after the break, with Nico Williams and Dani Olmo making sure of the victory late on to end Georgia's fairytale run at this European Championship.
Luis de la Fuente's side will next face the hosts Germany in a marquee quarter-final meeting in Stuttgart on Friday.
Giorgi Mamardashvili was the most worked goalkeeper in the group stages, and he was called into early action against Spain, making two early saves to deny Pedri and Dani Carvajal.
La Roja were stunned shortly after as they conceded for the first time in the tournament – Le Normand was unfortunate to turn Otar Kakabadze's whipped cross into the back of his own net.
Mamardashvili remained alert when Spain upped the pressure again, getting down sharply to keep out Marc Cucurella's low strike before pushing away Williams' curler.
The Georgia goalkeeper was left helpless moments later though, when an unmarked Rodri picked out the bottom-right corner from the edge of the box for his first major tournament goal.
Spain survived an early warning after the break as Khvicha Kvaratskhelia audaciously tried to catch out Unai Simon from the halfway line, but his hopeful effort bounced narrowly wide.
Fabian flipped the script shortly after, peeling off the back of Georgia’s backline to thump a header past Mamardashvili from point-blank range following Lamine Yamal's sumptuous delivery.
Yamal, desperate to get on the scoresheet himself, almost capitalised on a mistake by Georgia's defence but dragged another attempt narrowly wide of Mamardashvili's goal.
Giorgi Gvelesiani's blushes were spared by a tight offside call as he turned another dangerous Yamal cross into his own net, though Spain would soon extend their lead.
Williams raced forward on the counter down the left flank, leaving his marker in his tracks before rifling his right-footed rocket into the roof of the net 15 minutes from time.
Olmo added some more gloss to the scoreline in the 83rd minute, latching onto Mikel Oyarzabal's throughball to nestle his shot into the bottom corner and send Spain coasting into the last eight.
The kids are alright
It may have been a couple of the older players in Spain's squad that got the all-important goals in Cologne, but La Roja's youngsters continued to shine.
Yamal became the first teenager since Cristiano Ronaldo at Euro 2004 to assist multiple goals (two) at a single edition of the competition, while only Fabian managed as many shots as the winger's seven.
Meanwhile, Pedri made his fourth start in the knockout stages of the Euros, the most of any player aged 21 or under in the competition's history.
It is the second time Williams has both scored and assisted in a game for Spain, with the other also coming against Georgia in September 2023.
With Williams also getting his first assist in the tournament, it looks like the youngsters are on course to keep leading the team forward as they prepare to meet the hosts in Stuttgart.
Georgia's fairytale cut short
After pulling off a stunning victory over Euro 2016 winners Portugal in their final Group F game, Georgia came into the last 16 with another upset in mind.
It looked like that could be possible too, as they took another early lead, all despite not having a shot in the game up to that point.
Mamardashvili had saved 21 of the 22 shots on target he had faced prior to Rodri's goal, but he was helpless as Spain upped the pressure on Sunday.
William Sagnol's team go out with their heads held high despite their exit, after a debut tournament to remember.
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