The match
Despite defeating Costa Rica 3-0 in their opening match of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™, the chances Spain failed to convert meant their focus was on more clinical finishing in their final training sessions before the Zambia game. This is just Spain’s third appearance at the game’s flagship event but Jorge Vilda’s side have been determined to perform like one of the main contenders. Victory on Wednesday would see them take a huge, and potentially decisive, step towards the knockout stage.
Zambia, meanwhile, were beaten 5-0 by Japan in their Group C opener last Saturday. They will be hungry to put up a better showing in this contest and display their quality on the world stage. This is their maiden appearance at the Women’s World Cup and Wednesday’s clash will be their first opportunity to test themselves against a strong European side.
Team news
Coach Vilda has a decision to make on how to utilise midfield maestro Alexia Putellas. The reigning Best FIFA Women’s Player played for 15 minutes against Costa Rica as she works her way back to optimum fitness following a lengthy injury absence. Could she see more action at Eden Park on Wednesday?
Zambia coach Bruce Mwape’s biggest issue is in goal, with an injury to Hazel Nali leaving him without his established No1. Catherine Musonda started against Japan but was sent off late on, meaning regular third-choice stopper Eunice Sakala is in line to start against Spain
Players to watch
Aitana Bonmati Voted VISA Player of the Match against Costa Rica, the 25-year-old midfielder shone in her first Women’s World Cup game. The Barcelona star helped Spain gain control in midfield and capped a performance full of quality and attacking threat with a fine goal. Her excellent positional sense means she is always ready to receive the ball and help Spain dictate the tempo of games.
Racheal Kundananji A 23-year-old forward now with Madrid CFF, in 2019 Kundananji became the second Zambian woman after Barbra Banda to sign a contract with a European club. One of her key attributes is her speed – before dedicating herself to football she was a track athlete, specialising in the 800 and 1500 metres. Kundananji is an excellent finisher and hit 25 goals in the Spanish top-flight last season to finish as runner-up in the league’s Golden Boot race.
Facts and figures
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Zambia became the 40th team to make their Women’s World Cup debut in their game against Japan.
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Last year, they finished third in the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations
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Spain’s 3-0 win against Costa Rica was their biggest at the Women’s World Cup
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At 19 years and 250 days, Salma Paralluelo is Spain’s youngest ever Women’s World Cup participant
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Irene Paredes and Alexia Putellas have so far played in all eight of Spain’s games at Women’s World Cup tournaments.
Quotes
“We’ve got two tough games ahead. Zambia are a very strong team who move the ball forward very well. We have to carry on playing our own game. We know as a team where we have to focus on getting better. Creating chances is the main thing. If we do that, sooner or later we’ll score, we’re quite relaxed about that. ” Athenea del Castillo, Spain forward
“Spain are a good team, and they’re not an opponent where you can say that we’re going to take the three points – we’re going to have to work hard to try and get them.” Racheal Kundananji, Zambia forward
fifa.com
