Spain hammer Zambia to book place in last 16 of the World Cup

Spain are already in to the last 16 of the World Cup. They had to win against Zambia on Wednesday and they won 5-0. Braces from Jenni Hermoso and Alba Redondo and a stunning strike from Tere Abelleira were enough to see them through to the next round with a game to spare. 

There were only two changes from Jorge Vilda to the starting XI. Alexia Putellas returned to the line-up and so did Mariona Caldentey. Esther González and Athenea del Castillo dropped out, while Hermoso, who played inside left on her debut, moved up front.

Fast start

It was clear what the script of the game was going to be. The first minute was a sign that the match was about to start, with the ball coming out from the back, building up quickly and Jenni ready to finish. Alexia, very active and omnipresent, and Mariona, with her crosses from the left, created the most dangerous moves for Spain.

The connection between the two and also with Jenni led to the first goal. Tere Abelleira finished off a lovely combination play with a shot from 20 yards out to send the ball into the back of Sakala's net, Zambia's third goalkeeper.

After a scare from Banda, who easily beat Ivana but was left without an angle by her momentum, came the second goal. Hermoso, who only had to push in a gift from Alexia with his head.

Rhyhtm

Spain were enjoying an extraordinary few minutes, with a high level of possession and a rhythm and fluidity not seen against Costa Rica. Gradually, however, the team began to relax and, although they maintained control, they looked more out of sorts. 

Alexia asked for calm. And that sense of order was restored. On the stroke of half-time, Aitana missed the third, more to the credit of Sakala, who was making her debut as a starter.

More goals

With a comfortable lead, Vilda decided to make changes at half-time to rest Alexia, Ona Batlle and Salma and replace them with Eva Navarro, Oihane and Alba Redondo. The latter soon scored her first goal in a World Cup and later added another. Before that, another goal from Hermoso, helped by the Zambian defence.

Homework done. The Spanish national team had not only obtained the three points to qualify for the round of 16, but had also scored all five goals to top the group and face the match against Japan with an advantage.