Spain Adds To Zambia's World Cup Nightmare

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AUCKLAND: The Copper Queens have conceded five goals back-to-back. As a result, they have the worst defence record in the tournament.

Spain has qualified for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup last 16 round after brushing aside the Copper Queens, Zambia, 5-0 in a Group C encounter at Eden Park Stadium.

The Spaniards, in the process, registered their highest World Cup victory in their history. Alba Redondo and Jennifer Hermoso starred for the Europeans, as they both scored a brace to dismantle Zambia.

The free-scoring Europeans dominated Zambia from the first whistle. Within 13 minutes, Zambia was two goals down. As such, the writing was on the wall that they would have a long day. Zambia was outsmarted in most departments of the game, with Spain controlling the game with over 75% ball possession. The Africans stood no chance as they had only 25% of the ball and could only register two shots on target in the entire game.

While the Spaniards have found form and momentum, Zambia are having a dismal maiden World Cup appearance. The Copper Queens have conceded five goals back-to-back. As a result, they have the worst defence record in the tournament.

Their loss has prolonged Africa’s search for a first win in the tournament, in what has turned out to be a relatively disappointing opening round for the continent.

Spain and Japan, both from Group C, have both qualified for the knockout stages with a game to spare. The two nations will collide in their final group match to decide who will top the group on Monday, 31 July.

Already knocked out of the tournament, the Copper Queens will have nothing to play for other than pride in their final group encounter against fellow Group C strugglers, Costa Rica, on the same day Spain plays Japan.

In another Group C match, Japan was too good for Costa Rica, routinely defeating the South Americans by two goals to nothing.