Preview: Spain Women vs. Zambia Women - prediction, team news, lineups

Spain Women will look to begin the Women's World Cup 2023 with consecutive victories when they face Zambia Women at Eden Park on Wednesday.

While La Roja breezed through their opening game against Costa Rica, Zambia suffered a heavy 5-0 defeat to Japan in their first-ever match at a Women's World Cup.

Match preview

© Reuters

After preparing for the tournament with six successive victories, Spain laid down a marker in Friday's meeting with Costa Rica in Wellington.

La Roja surged into a three-goal lead inside 30 minutes thanks to strikes from Esther Gonzalez and Aitana Bonmati after a Valeria del Campo own goal opened the scoring.

Despite cruising to a comfortable 3-0 win, the margin of victory could have been wider after Jenni Hermoso had a 34th-minute penalty saved and Spain racked up 46 shots and 12 efforts on goal.

Spain could seal their place in the knockout rounds with a game to spare if they win and Japan pick up a point against Costa Rica.

Jorge Vilda's side carry significant momentum into Wednesday's contest, having scored 24 goals without reply in their last five matches.

© Reuters

Zambia's Women's World Cup debut proved to be a forgettable experience as they fell to a 5-0 loss to Japan without registering a single shot.

The Copper Queens managed to keep the deficit to just one goal at the break, but Japan moved through the gears in the second half to ease to a comfortable victory.

After beginning their World Cup campaign with a disappointing defeat, Zambia are now at risk of being eliminated from the group stage with a game to spare.

They will be knocked out of the tournament if they lose on Wednesday and Japan collect at least a point in the group's other fixture.

Having conceded at least three goals in each of their last four internationals, Zambia will need to produce an improved defensive display if they are to remain competitive against Spain.