Pino, Oyarzabal Score as La Roja Maintains Control of Group E
European champions Spain continued their flawless march toward the 2026 World Cup, defeating Georgia 2-0 in a Group E qualifier at the Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero on Saturday.
Goals from Yeremy Pino and Mikel Oyarzabal sealed the victory, maintaining Spain’s perfect record with three wins from three games.
The hosts dominated possession, but Georgian goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili put in a notable performance to keep the score respectable, even saving a first-half penalty
Spain opened the scoring in the 24th minute after a well-worked set-piece routine. Midfielder Pedri delivered a free-kick into the box, which defender Robin Le Normand adeptly cushioned across the goal for forward Yeremy Pino to tap in from close range.
Four minutes later, Spain had a chance to double the lead when Ferran Torres was fouled for a penalty, but Mamardashvili, the Georgian keeper, immediately atoned for the foul by saving Torres’ spot-kick.
The crucial second goal arrived in the 64th minute. Mikel Oyarzabal, in what proved to be his final action of the match before being substituted, unleashed a stunning left-footed free-kick from the edge of the box that soared into the top corner.
The victory leaves Spain comfortably at the top of Group E with nine points, three clear of second-placed Turkey, and puts the team in a strong position to qualify for the tournament in Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
Spain’s coach, Luis de la Fuente, was left pleased with the victory despite not being at full strength. Following the match, defender Pedro Porro told Spain’s TVE: “We’re very happy with the victory. The team played very well in all aspects of the game.”
