Alejandro Grimaldo Ready To Compete With Cucurella At Euro 2024

Alejandro Grimaldo, Spanish left-back (photo: x @grimaldo35)

JAKARTA - The Spanish national team, which displayed a perfect record at Euro 2024 with three wins from three group games, is confirmed to be a strong favorite against Georgia in the round of 16, the team they previously beat with a striking score of 7-1 in qualifying. However, the players insist that they do not underestimate their opponents who were able to create surprises in this tournament.

Alejandro Grimaldo, Spain's left-back, confirmed that although Spain had beaten Georgia 3-1 and 7-1 in qualifying, it would have no effect in the upcoming matches. Georgia, which managed to beat Portugal with Cristiano Ronaldo, to reach the knockout stages, has shown a significant improvement.

"The situation a few months ago has become the past. Football has changed rapidly. We know it will be a difficult match. Our team is focused and confident in playing well and reaching the quarter-finals," Grimaldo said in a press conference ahead of Sunday's match. June 30.

Spain, which has won the Euro title three times, through a group stage without conceding and scoring five goals against Italy, Croatia, and Albania. Grimaldo himself competed with Marc Cucurella for the left-back position, where only made one appearance as a starter so far, against Albania after Spain made sure to qualify for the next round.

"We are friends despite playing in the same position. We support each other. He has performed very well in two games, and I have also played well against Albania," added Grimaldo, who tends to attack more than Cucurella, giving coach Luis de la Fuente an attractive choice depending on the opponent he faces.

"The competition is healthy. What determines is the coach, not us," said Grimaldo regarding competition in the Spanish national team.