Spain eased their way into the last 16 following a routine 5-0 victory over Zambia in Auckland.
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Spain have qualified for the last 16, result means Japan join them
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Lightning-fast start set La Roja on their way
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Jenni Hermoso nets brace on her 100th international appearance
Spain 5-0 Zambia | Group C
Goalscorers: Teresa Abelleira (9′), Jennifer Hermoso (13′, 70′), Alba Redondo (69′ 85′)
Spain have confirmed their place in the last 16 of the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ following a routine 4-0 victory over Zambia.
Goals by Teresa Abelleira and Alba Redondo complemented a Jennifer Hermoso brace to seal a convincing win for the Europeans. The result means Japan have also qualified for the next round, with the pair set for a winner-takes-all duel on 31 July at Wellington Regional Stadium to confirm who tops Group C.
Spain took control of the contest inside the first 10 minutes when the ball was rolled to Teresa Abelleira just outside of the area. The midfielder took one touch to set herself before thundering an unstoppable effort into the top-left corner which Zambia goalkeeper Eunice Sakala could only stand and watch.
La Roja’s free-flowing football continued to carve out openings and they would double their lead soon after as the excellent Alexia Putellas made a typically enterprising run into space down the left. The Barcelona superstar floated in an inch-perfect cross for Jennifer Hermoso to head home on her 100th cap.
Jorge Vilda made a trio of substitutions at half-time and it didn’t take long for one of those to make their mark, as Alba Redondo scampered clear from a long ball to round Sakala and tap into an empty net. Hermoso then added to the scoreline just a minute later, thrashing home her 50th international goal from close-range following a penalty box scramble.
The ever-impressive Redondo then latched on to an Eva Navarro cross to smash home her second goal from 12 yards out. The result means both Spain and Japan will take part in the knockout phase, while Zambia will join Costa Rica in exiting the tournament.
Key stat
Following on from their victory over Costa Rica, this is the first time that Spain have won more than one game at the global finals.
VISA Player of the Match
Jennifer Hermoso (Spain)
Quotes
“We have obtained another three points, the team started well. Scoring five goals in a World Cup, two games won, [we’re] very happy. The other day we were left with the taste of having had many situations and not having scored more goals, but now the goal difference is important for the match with Japan. In the end, everything I expected for my third World Cup and to be able to continue enjoying it is what I wanted. I dedicate it to my family who is always with me” Jennifer Hermoso, Spain goalscorer and VISA Player of the Match
fifa.com
