TACTICAL ANALYSIS: GEORGIA 1-7 SPAIN | DE LA FUENTE BEATS KVARATSKHELIA

The key to Spain’s victory over Georgia was in Luis de la Fuente’s gameplan. He placed the central midfielders higher, playing between the lines behind the midfielders. This pinned Georgia’s second line of press, making the 2 players on the first line unable to prevent the progression of the center backs and Rodri. The defense did not find solutions throughout the first half, with Rodri breaking the press with passes to Gavi and Fabián.

Even in the final third the central midfielders were very high, playing alongside Morata. Asensio drifting inside, leaving the right wing for Carvajal and Dani Olmo giving width on the other side.

Spain shot 14 times in the first half, creating chances in 2 ways: the first was finding Asensio and Fabián in the gap between full-back and centre-back. This is how Spain’s second goal arrived, with the Georgian block deep and at the same time too wide.

Spain’s other strength was the aerial duels inside the box, both from set pieces and from crosses, having Spain 2 forwards like Morata and Joselu who are very strong in this aspect.

The other key was the extraordinary level of Rodri out of possession, directing the defensive phase, being everywhere counter-pressing and giving balance in the defensive transition.

The best game of Spain in 2023.