WWC round-up: Spain book knockout tickets as Zambia, Ireland crash out

The Copper Queens of Zambia have been eliminated from the ongoing Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

The debutants crashed out after suffering a 5-0 thrashing against Spain on Wednesday at Eden Park, New Zealand.

The loss was Zambia’s second consecutive defeat in Group C, having surrendered to the same scoreline against Japan in their first game.

A goal from Teresa Abelleira, accompanied by braces from both Jennifer Hermoso and Alba Redondo, sealed the victory for the Spaniards, who secured their place in the second round of the competition.

In the other game of the group, Japan defeated Costa Rica 2-0. Hikaru Naomoto and Aoba Fujino scored the winning goals within three minutes to seal Nadeshiko’s progress to the knockout round of the World Cup.

The result confirmed the exit of Costa Rica from the competition.

In the late kick-off game, Canada bounced back from a goal down to win 2-1 against the Republic of Ireland.

Katie McCabe had put Ireland in the lead early in the match through an audacious direct free kick.

The Canadians responded with goals from Megan Connolly and Adriana Leon, which turned the tie around.

Canada raced to the top of group B with four points ahead of Nigeria’s game against Australia tomorrow.