England, the runners-up, secured qualification to the quarter-finals of the European Football Championship with a 2-1 win over Slovakia in extra time, and Spain with a convincing 4-1 win over Georgia today.

Spain has confirmed its credentials that qualify it to be one of the teams nominated for the title and will compete in the “quarter-finals” with Germany, the host country, while runner-up England, which is not yet convinced, will face Switzerland, which ousted the defending champion. Italy (2-0 on Saturday).

Without showing the ability to respond to Ivan Schranz's 25th-minute goal, England were one foot away from Euro 2024, but in the final minute of stoppage time, the defending runners-up avoided elimination with a 'bike' from Jude Bellingham.

Slovakia, who suffered a physical defeat after a successful match, went from heaven to hell in a matter of minutes, as the English team entered extra time with a goal scored by Harry Kane, in the 91st minute, to decide the tie and ensure the draw.

Slovakia, which qualified for the round of 16 as one of the best third-placed teams, was close to making history, but it leaves Euro 2024 with its head held high and with Ivan Schranz, with three goals, among the top scorers.

In Cologne, favorites Spain were also at a disadvantage, against first-time entrant Georgia – which qualified for the round of 16 as one of the best third teams, by defeating Portugal (2-0) – thanks to Lou Norman's own goal. Minute 18, his first in the competition.

Spain, the only team to complete the group stage with only wins, cancelled out Georgia's lead and turned the result around with goals from Rodri in the 39th minute, Fabian Ruiz in the 51st minute and Nico Williams in the 75th minute. Substitute Dani Olmo was 83 years old.

A big match is already looming in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals on Friday in Stuttgart, as Spain, winners in 1964, 2008 and 2012, face hosts Germany, champions in 1972, 1980 and 1996.