Spain vs Zambia odds and betting statistics
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Spain vs Zambia match preview
Based on what we saw from these two teams in their group openers, those in attendance in Auckland are likely to witness plenty of goals, although they’re unlikely to be shared particularly equally.
On Friday, Spain kicked off their campaign by swatting aside Costa Rica 3-0 at Wellington Regional Stadium, with all their goals coming in a six minute spree.
An own goal broke the deadlock, provoked by Esther González’s cut-back, before Aitana Bonmatí curled home a seconds 118 seconds later.
González then got her name on the scoresheet, flicking home from close-range, before Olga Carmona was tripped in the area and la Roja were awarded a penalty.
Jenni Hermoso stepped up, but saw her effort spectacularly saved, with the score remaining 3-0, following a low-key second 45.
In all, la Roja accumulated an xG figure of 4.7 and mustered 46 shots, the most shots any team has ever had in a women’s World Cup match since records began.
In contrast, Zambia were on the wrong end of a hammering on Saturday, steamrollered 5-0 by Japan in Hamilton in, what was, their very first World Cup match.
It’s no exaggeration to say Japan could’ve had double figures, given that they scored five and had two goals and a penalty disallowed by VAR for offside, while the Copper Queens didn’t have a single shot.
Zambia came into this competition with high-hopes, having beaten Germany in a friendly earlier this month, but Bruce Mwape’s team will be fearing an even more resounding defeat this time.
It’s very much a question of how many will Spain score at Eden Park?
Spain team news
Following Friday’s routine victory in Wellington, there’s little reason for Jorge Vilda to change too much.
Alexia Putellas will be hoping to see more action, coming off the bench in the 77th minute, as she’s eased back into action following an ACL injury a year ago.
Out-wide, Salma Paralluelo got the nod over Mariona Caldentey, so could keep her place, alongside Jenni Hermoso, who will be hoping to add to her three World Cup goals, having missed a penalty against Costa Rica.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Rodríguez; Batlle, Paredes, Andrés, Carmona; Bonmatí, Abelleira, del Castillo; Hermoso, Paralluelo, González.
Zambia teams news
Zambia come into this one very depleted, losing star midfield Grace Chanda on the eve of the tournament.
First-choice goalkeeper Hazel Nali also suffered an injury just before the Japan game, with her deputy Catherine Musonda then sent off in stoppage time on Saturday.
So, third-choice goalkeeper Eunice Sakala, who saved a penalty with her first touch at a World Cup, only for it to be retaken, will have the unenviable task of donning the gloves here.
Star centre-forward Barbra Banda scored two hat-tricks at the 2021 Olympics, coming against Netherlands and China, so could she become the first Zambian, male of female to score at a World Cup?
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Musonda; Belumu, Musase, Mweemba, Tembo; S Banda, Katongo, Chanda; Ochumba, Kundananji, Banda.
Women’s World Cup Group C table
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Women’s World Cup Group C fixtures & results
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