FIFA Women World Cup: Japan, Spain qualify for knockout stage

Spain have recorded a thumping 5-0 win over Zambia to book a spot in the knockout stages of the FIFA Women’s World Cup with a game to spare.

Jenni Hermoso and Alba Redondo both scored twice with Teresa Abelleira scoring a stunning strike from distance to open the floodgates. The win sees Spain reach 6 points after 2 matches, following their opening 3-0 win over Costa Rica last week.

The match was the second time unlucky for Zambia, who also suffered the same 5-0 humiliating defeat in the hands of Japan last week.

Earlier in the day, Japan defeated Costa Rica 2-0 with goals from Hikaru Naomoto and Aoba Fujino in the space of three first-half minutes. The win pushes the 2011 champions to the knockout rounds with 6 points.