Spain defeated Zambia 5-0 on Wednesday to advance to the Women’s World Cup’s round of 16, and Japan also advanced as a result. Jennifer Hermoso and Alba Redondo both scored twice in the victory against Zambia.
Coach Jorge Vilda of Spain gave the fit-again Alexia Putellas a start, and she contributed to the opening goals at Eden Park by Teresa Abelleira and Hermoso.
After another Hermoso goal in the second half, substitute Redondo scored twice as Spain easily won.
Putellas, the current Ballon d’Or winner, was replaced at halftime in order to protect his star player for the Group C championship game against Japan the following Monday. Putellas had been absent for more than nine months due to a catastrophic knee injury.