Spain comprehensively defeated Zambia 5-0 in Auckland to secure their qualification, along with Japan, from the group stage. It was never really in doubt as Spain confine Zambia to back-to-back 5-0 defeats.
Several Zambia players are in tears on the pitch, consoled by Spanish players.
Spain cruised into the knockout stage of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup with a 5-0 win over Zambia on Wednesday. The five goals marked the largest single-game total at the Women's World Cup for Spain.
Spain came away with the win and will advance to the round of 16 after defeating The Copper Queens, 5-0.
Check out the highlights!Find the latest scores here.
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The 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup continued Wednesday (on FS1 and the FOX Sports app) with a matchup between Group C's Spain and Zambia at Eden Park in New Zealand.
Spain sits in first place with a better goal differential. La Roja need a win or draw to top the group, while Japan must win because of the goal differential tiebreaker.
The Group C winner faces the Group A runner-up, and the Group C runner-up takes on the Group A winner.
Spain's win set up a colossal clash with Japan to finish off Group C.
Hermosa and Alba Redondo had two goals each on the night as Spain continued its perfect tournament play and tied fellow Group C team Japan - the two will square off next Monday.
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Here's a breakdown of the match:
Spain XI (4-3-3): Misa; Batlle (Hernandez 46'), Paredes, Andres, Carmona; Abelleira, Bonmati (Guerrero 62'), Putellas (Redondo 46'); Caldentey (del Castillo 83'), Paralluelo (Navarro 46'), Hermoso.
Zambia XI (4-3-3): Sakala; Mweemba (Phiri 77'), Belemu, Tembo, Musesa; S Banda (Wilombe 37'), I Lungu; Mapepa (Chitundu 37'), Katonogo (Lubandji 77'), Kundananji; B.
The round up:
Substitute Alba Redondo's second half double confined Zambia to back-to-back 5-0 defeats.
Read also: 5-0 Victory for Spain
Spain and Japan have qualified for the round of 16, the group winner will be determined in their meeting on Monday.
Monday's meeting will see Spain face Japan and decide who will take top spot in the group with both teams securing their progression today.
Spain have superior goal difference, having won 5-0 and 3-0, one more than the Japanese.
The winner of the group will face the runner-up in Group A, which seemingly could be anyone in the group consisting of Switzerland, New Zealand, the Philippines and Norway.
The runner-up of the group shall play the winner of Group A, currently led by the Swiss.
Key Moments:
The rout began in elite fashion in the ninth minute thanks to a thunderbolt of a strike from Teresa Abelleira. The speed of Spain's first goal from Albelleira was recorded at 94km per hour which is the fastest strike in the tournament so far from open play.
Teresa Abelleira gave Spain the lead with a powerful 25-yard strike. The 23-year-old Real Madrid midfielder's stunning goal will catch all the headlines, but she also turned in a controlling performance in the middle of the park.
Spain struck again in the 13th minute through an easy back post header from Jennifer Hermoso.
Jennifer Hermoso sealed her 49th and 50th Spanish goals in her 100th international appearance.
Hermoso also scored in the 70th minute. She was one of two Spain players with a brace. Alba Redondo netted goals in the 69th and 85th minutes. Hermoso's second tally was her 50th international goal for La Roja.
She is the first Spanish woman to score 50 goals, the highest goalscorer in the federation's history is David Villa with 59.
Redondo came off the bench to score the 12th and 13th goals of her international career.
Here's a summary of the goals scored:
| Minute | Scorer | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 9' | Teresa Abelleira | Spain |
| 13' | Jennifer Hermoso | Spain |
| 69' | Alba Redondo | Spain |
| 70' | Jennifer Hermoso | Spain |
| 85' | Alba Redondo | Spain |
Additional Highlights:
- 90+9' Spain 5-0 Zambia Sakala denies Redondo her hattrick! Redondo headers well but Sakala gets a big hand on it to tip it behind for a corner!
- 90+7' Spain 5-0 Zambia Another injury casualty, Athenea del Castillo is visibly devastated as she finally comes off.
- 90+5' Spain 5-0 Zambia Athenea del Castillo just gave a sign to the bench that she wants to come off. She is trying to force herself to play on but this is visibly misguided, she is in clear pain.
- 90+2' Spain 5-0 Zambia Ochumba Lubandji is the first player in the book, pulling down Irene Paredes.
- 90+1' Spain 5-0 Zambia We are in the first of eight additional minutes.
- 90' Spain 5-0 Zambia Navarro is causing a lot of trouble down the Spanish right side and she almost picks out a team-mate to surely score a sixth but Zambia manage to block the opportunity.
- 87' Spain 5-0 ZamhiaAlba Redondo has her goal! Well taken finish!
- 85' Spain 4-0 Zambia It looks onside to me at first glance! Alba Redondo has the ball in the net, taking it past the Zambia defender between her and the goal after a good delivery and sticking it past Sakala.
- 83' Spain 4-0 Zambia Hermoso picks the ball up on the right side of the penalty area and attempts to squeeze the ball in at the near post but Eunice Sakala tips it onto the crossbar.
- 83' Spain 4-0 Zambia Athenea del Castillo replaces Mariona Caldentey.
- 77' Spain 4-0 Zambia Lushomo Mweemba will play no further part as she is stretchered off and replace by Vast Phiri. Ochumba Lubandji comes on for Evarine Katongo.
- 74' Spain 4-0 Zambia We got there in the end!
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Alarming sign Del Castillo is being carried down the tunnel by Spanish medical staff, hopefully her tournament doesn't end here with Zambia's.
Teresa Abelleira is receiving treatment and with all of Spain's substitutions used, her game may be over.
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