Zambia fell to their second 5-0 defeat in two matches at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup on Wednesday with Spain coming out on top in a Group C clash. Jennifer Hermoso and Alba Redondo each scored two goals for La Roja in Auckland who joined Japan in clinching a spot in the knockout stages with the result. Zambia and Costa Rica will face each other on July 31 with both teams eliminated from contention to advance.
After a difficult outing against Japan in their opening match an even greater challenge awaited Zambia on Wednesday with Spain ranked sixth in the world, who proceeded to dominate possession. Within ten minutes the favorites took the lead through Teresa Abelleira who fired a splendid effort past Zambia goalkeeper Eunice Sakala from long distance.
Less than four minutes later the Copper Queens were all but out of contention when Hermoso was left with an easy headed finish from an Alexia Putellas cross. Zambia did put out an improved effort and were a bit more dangerous compared to the defeat against Japan but Sakala was busy in goal throughout.
After holding off the Spanish attack for the rest of the first half and the early stages of the second, two goals in two minutes confirmed a decisive victory for La Roja. An excellent pass from Eva Navarro sent Redondo in behind the defense to round Sakala for the third goal in the 69th minute and less than a minute later the Video Assistant Referee confirmed Hermoso’s second goal. Redondo added one more in the 85th minute to move Spain ahead of Japan for top spot in the group before their clash on the final day of Group C play.
Click the link below to watch highlights of the match.
