By Samindra Kunti in Auckland
May 26 – Spain and Japan became the first teams to book their ticket for the Women’s World Cup’s knockout stage, sending debutants Zambia and Costa Rica home in Group C.
Following a 5-0 defeat at the hands of Japan, the African team were given another shellacking, this time by Spain who decided the game within the first 15 minutes, with Teresa Abelleira rifling in the opening goal and Jennifer Hermoso heading home at the far post.
The Spanish never looked back and took advantage of Zambia’s tired legs in the second half, Hermoso getting her second, her 50th goal in 100 caps, and substitute Alba Redondo grabbing a brace of her own to wrap a convincing 5-0 win.
Every time Zambia crossed the halfway line, the Eden Park crowd came alive, but in the end, there was little to cheer about. Like Spain, Zambia arrived in New Zealand under a cloud.
The squad has been without pay for two years and on the eve of their second Group C game journalists were stopped from asking Zambia’s coach Bruce Mwape about sexual misconduct allegations against him. Their maiden World Cup campaign will end against Costa Rica on Monday.
The Central Americans are also returning home after a 2-0 loss to Japan. The Nadeshiko have been in fine form at these finals combining a composed passing game with speed to see off their opponents. They knocked the Costa Ricans out with a double blow in the first half, winger Hikaru Naomoto opening the score in the 25th minute and Aoba Fujino doubling the lead two minutes later.
Japan will be tested for the first time when they play Spain for the top spot in their final group game on Monday in Wellington. For the Europeans, it will be a question of maintaining their quality throughout the entire match. Both teams have two wins from two, but Spain have scored a goal more, meaning a draw will suffice for first place. Group C’s winners will face Group A’s runner-up, which, for now, are hosts New Zealand.
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