Spain maintained their 100% 2026 World Cup qualifying record as they eased to a 2-0 win over Georgia on Saturday night. Goals from Yeremy Pino and Mikel Oyarzabal either side of half time was enough to La Roja to make it three wins from three as they maintain their unstoppable march towards the World Cup. Spain dominated from the outset and many had expected the Euro 2024 winners to put up a big score.
Getty Images SportTell me more
Spain dominated from the outset against Georgia as they looked to make home advantage count. However, it wasn't until the 24th minute that La Roja found the breakthrough through Yeremy Pino. Pedri played a perfectly-weighted pass into the Georgia box for Robin Le Normand for the centre-back to tee up Pino for an easy finish.
Luis de la Fuente's side wasted a golden opportunity to go two goals to the good five minutes later as Ferran Torres raced onto a long ball over the top of the Georgia defence. Goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili brought the Barcelona forward down for a Spain penalty yet made amends as he denied Torres from the spot.
Mikel Merino, who scored a hat-trick against Turkey last month, looked to double Spain's advantage before the break but twice failed to test Mamardashvili as Spain struggled to add a second prior to half time. And the second half started much the same way as the Euro 2024 winners huffed and puffed in their efforts to get the better of the Georgia shotstopper, with Pedro Porro and Mikel Oyarzabal both hitting the woodwork in quick succession.
Oyarzabal did finally get his goal midway through the second half as he rifled a free-kick past Mamardashvili in what was his final kick of the game. Spain went through the motions to see out a 2-0 victory, though they could have had a third late on as Ferran was again thwarted by Mamardasvili.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportThe MVP
As Spain predictably dominated on home turf, Pedri was again the heartbeat for the European champions. The Barcelona star picked out Robin Le Normand brilliantly in the build up for Yeremy Pino's first half opener and was unfortunate not to get an assist having created four chances. The Georgia midfield spent much of the night chasing shadows prior to Pedri's 75th-minute withdrawal. Supporters had hoped to see the 22-year-old taken off sooner, but when one of the best midfielders on the planet is at your disposal; one can appreciate Luis de la Fuente's decision to keep the youngster on the pitch for as long as possible.
AFPThe big loser
Saturday's performance against Georgia is hardly one to remember for Ferran Torres. With Lamine Yamal missing due to injury, Ferran deputised down the right for Spain and while he showed glimpses of his attacking quality, the Barcelona star is clearly a level below his club teammate. He won a penalty for La Roja in the first half having been fouled by Giorgi Mamardashvili, but the Spain forward saw the subsequent spotkick saved by the Liverpool man. A goal ultimately eluded the 25-year-old, as he failed to get the better of Mamardashvili on Saturday night.
AFPMatch rating (out of five): ⭐⭐⭐