FIFA WWC: Zambia players weep after another 5-0

A second 5-0 defeat at the Women's World Cup proved too much for Zambia's players, who slumped to the turf in tears as their dream came to an end.

The Copper Queens desperately needed a result against Spain after losing 5-0 in their opening group game against Japan. And while they did get a result of sorts, it wasn't really the one they were looking for.

Bruce Mwape's side shipped five goals once again, bringing any lingering hopes of a place in the last-16 of the tournament to an end. The disappointment proved too much for some of Zambia's players, who fell to the turf in floods of tears at the final whistle against Spain.

Cameras showed Mary Wilombe and several of her team-mates weeping into their shirts at the end of the game. Some Spanish stars attempted to console the opposition after booking their place in the next round, not that it did much good.

Jennifer Hermoso proved the real difference-maker for Spain on the night, scoring twice and providing one assist as La Roja confirmed their spot alongside Japan in the next round.

Hermoso, Spain’s all-time leading scorer, deposited a one-time header off a perfect cross from Alexia Putellas in the 13th minute. She then gathered a rebound and scored on an empty net in the 70th minute. The goal was initially wiped away for offside, then eventually confirmed after a lengthy review. Teresa Abelleira launched a 58-mph strike from well outside the box in the ninth minute and beat Eunice Sakala to the top side of the net, her second goal with the Spain national team.

Like Hermoso, Alba Redondo also scored twice, in the 69th and 85th minutes. Her first goal was an impressive run off of a long pass, while her second was on a rebound in front of an empty net.

Spain’s attack benefitted from facing Zambia’s third-string goalkeeper. Sakala started Monday night after the starting goalie and her backup were injured and received a red card, respectively.

The game was played before 20,983 fans in chilly Eden Park, the lowest attendance of the four games played so far in New Zealand’s largest city.