SPAIN SHINE AGAIN TO REACH LAST EIGHT DESPITE EARLY SCARE

Scintillating Spain set up a mouthwatering quarter-final clash with Germany after coming from behind to win 4-1 in Cologne and end Georgia’s fairytale run in their first major tournament.

Willy Sagnol’s Crusaders could barely get out of their own penalty area in the opening quarter of an hour but sprung forward on 18 minutes to stun La Roja with a lightning counter that saw Robin Le Normand put through his own net.

Spain patiently probed despite the shock of conceding for the first time in the competition and eventually levelled on 39 minutes when Rodri drilled a low 20-yard shot into the bottom corner.

The pattern continued following the interval with Spain laying siege to their opponent’s area and they deservedly took the lead on 51 minutes when Fabian Ruiz nodded in Lamine Yamal’s quite sublime cross.

Luis de la Fuente’s side were firmly in their groove by now and hammered home their dominance late on with wonderful solo goals from Nico Williams and substitute Dani Olmo

Spain will now meet hosts Germany in the last eight in Stuttgart on July 5.