Five-star Spain cruise into World Cup knockouts with thumping win over Zambia

Spain underlined their credentials as pre-tournament favourites after they grew to become one of many first groups to seal qualification for the Women’s World Cup knockouts with a 5-0 win over Zambia of their second Group C encounter on Wednesday.

Teresa Abelleira opened the scoring whereas Jennifer Hermoso and Alba Redondo scored twice to present Spain their second victory, which additionally assured Japan of last-16 qualification after they beat Costa Rica 2-0 earlier on Wednesday.

Both Spain and Japan have six factors and can play one another on Monday for prime spot within the group whereas Zambia and Costa Rica – each eradicated – will play for third.

Spain got a lift forward of the sport when coach Jorge Vilda named midfielder Alexia Putellas within the beginning lineup and the twice Ballon d’Or winner, having absolutely recovered from damage, was actively concerned in buildup play from the beginning.

Abelleira settled any opening nerves with the quickest objective of the event when she picked up the ball after an intricate passing transfer within the ninth minute and fired a shot from lengthy vary that rocketed into the highest nook.

Four minutes later, Hermoso marked her a centesimal look for Spain with a simple header on the far put up after Zambia didn’t defend a cross from Putellas.

Vilda substituted Putellas, Ona Batlle and Salma Paralluelo at halftime however Spain continued to dominate.

Zambia goalkeeper Eunice Sakala, within the staff after Catherine Musonda was despatched off of their group opener, made a number of saves however she was left stranded when Redondo was put via on objective because the ahead rounded the 21-year-old keeper to make it 3-0.

Soccer Football – FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 – Group C – Spain v Zambia – Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand – July 26, 2023 Spain’s Eva Navarro in motion with Zambia’s Martha Tembo REUTERS/David Rowland

VAR CONFUSION

Hermoso then grabbed her second — and fiftieth for Spain — when she pounced on a rebound off the put up to fireplace house, a objective awarded after a VAR evaluation and following some confusion over the referee’s preliminary announcement that it was dominated out for offside.

“No goal! No offside,” referee Jeong Oh-Hyeon mentioned earlier than correcting herself as a bewildered Spain appeared on earlier than realising it had been awarded.

Redondo then beat the offside lure late within the recreation to attain Spain’s fifth, additionally awarded after a VAR evaluation when the assistant referee flagged for offside.

Zambia had their possibilities on the counter-attack however failed to check Misa Rodriguez in Spain’s objective with numerous wayward pictures.

“Spain are very experienced… we are just developing, we still need more experience,” Zambia skipper Barbra Banda mentioned. “When you create chances, definitely you have to score. Unfortunately we didn’t find any goal.”

Sakala had the ultimate say, nevertheless, when she made a string of saves to disclaim each Hermoso and Redondo from claiming hat-tricks. “Today’s game, we actually played much better than we did the first game,” Zambia coach Bruce Mwape mentioned.

“Spain has obtained a variety of expertise they usually’ve performed properly ranging from the primary whistle as much as the ultimate (whistle).

“I’m sure we have learned one or two things from this team. We will try and do our best in the last game (against Costa Rica).”