Jorge Vilda, Spain’s coach, asserted that there’s more to expect from his team after they secured a decisive victory over Zambia, ensuring their progress to the last 16 in the Fifa Women’s World Cup, one game ahead of schedule.
Jenni Hermoso and Alba Redondo, each scoring twice, played key roles in Spain’s consecutive victories in the tournament hosted by Australia and New Zealand. Spain has now tallied eight goals without a single one against them, reinforcing their standing as potential World Cup champions. However, Vilda contends that his team can elevate their performance even further.
Their upcoming match against Japan on Monday, 31 July (08:00 BST) will determine the winner of Group C. Vilda remarked, “We’ve yet to see Spain at its best, that’s absolutely certain. We have four days to improve, both physically and mentally, to deliver a stronger performance against Japan.”
Spain started their campaign on a high note, securing a 3-0 victory against Costa Rica last week with an impressive 46 shots on goal. They continued this momentum against Zambia, taking a lead within the first nine minutes as Teresa Abelleira scored a remarkable long-range goal.
The lead was then extended by Hermoso just four minutes later, who scored a header on her 100th appearance for her country. The second half saw Redondo skillfully outmaneuver the goalkeeper before Hermoso marked her 50th international goal after a thorough review by the video assistant referee.
Despite Hermoso’s shot hitting the crossbar, Spain clinched their fifth goal when Redondo scored in the final minutes. This victory also aided Japan in their advancement, as they previously beat Costa Rica 2-0. Spain, currently leading Japan on goal difference, will secure first place with a draw in Monday’s match.
Spain’s impressive win over Zambia to proceed to last 16
Alexia Putellas Returns as Spain Issues Warning
Having been named on the bench in Spain’s opening game against Costa Rica due to her return from a long-term injury, two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas started against Women’s World Cup newcomers Zambia.
Putellas, the Barcelona midfielder, proved to be in top form, making significant contributions from the start. It was her assist that led to Hermoso’s second goal. The early goals indicated a substantial win for Spain. Despite the loss leading to their elimination, Zambia put up a commendable resistance until the final 20 minutes.
Eventually, Zambia’s fatigue and Spain’s superior skill resulted in three additional goals, reflecting Spain’s overall dominance in the match. Spain also retained their clean sheet for the tournament and registered their 13th win out of the last 15 games played since their defeat by England in the Euro 2022 quarter-finals. Their most recent victory is sure to get their rivals’ attention.
Line-ups
Match Statistics
Live Text
Home Team: Spain
Away Team: Zambia
Possession: Home – 75%, Away – 25%
Shots: Home – 22, Away – 10
Shots on Target: Home – 13, Away – 2
Corners: Home – 9, Away – 3
Fouls: Home – 7, Away – 5
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Spain’s victory in Women’s World Cup
Who is the coach of Spain’s Women’s Football Team?
Jorge Vilda is the coach of Spain’s Women’s Football Team.
What was the final score in the Spain vs Zambia match in the FIFA Women’s World Cup?
Spain defeated Zambia with a score of 5-0 in the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Who were the goal scorers for Spain in the match against Zambia?
Jenni Hermoso and Alba Redondo were the goal scorers for Spain in the match against Zambia. Both players scored twice.
When and where is Spain’s next match?
Spain’s next match is against Japan on Monday, 31 July at 08:00 BST. The match will determine the winner of Group C in the tournament.
Which player recently returned from injury to Spain’s lineup?
Alexia Putellas, a two-time Ballon d’Or winner, recently returned to Spain’s lineup after recovering from a long-term injury.
What will a draw in the match against Japan mean for Spain?
A draw in the match against Japan will secure first place in Group C for Spain.
How many goals has Spain scored in the tournament without conceding any so far?
Spain has scored a total of eight goals in the tournament without conceding any so far.
More about Spain’s victory in Women’s World Cup
- FIFA Women’s World Cup Official Page
- Spain Women’s National Football Team
- Jorge Vilda
- Alexia Putellas
- Jenni Hermoso
- Alba Redondo
7 comments
I can’t believe Hermoso scored her 50th international goal, that’s insane. She is such a beast.
this is it, Spain is gonna win this World Cup. I can feel it. Vilda’s done a great job with the team. Just need to beat Japan now.
Love to see Alexia Putellas back in the game after injury. Missed her magic on the field!
wow, Spain’s on fire in this tournament, 8 goals already! Props to Hermoso and Redondo, you girls rock!!!
Great to see Barcelona’s star Putellas playing a big role. Can’t wait for the game against Japan.
you know it’s a serious game when they need VAR checks, Hermoso’s goal had me on edge. And that last minute goal from Redondo, perfection!
Tough game for Zambia, but we put up a fight. Looking forward to the next cup!