BY Idris Shehu
Zambia suffered a humiliating Women’s World Cup debut as they lost 5-0 in their Group C opener on Saturday.
Hinata Miyazawa scored a brace while Mina Tanaka and Jun Endo added one each before Riko Ueki wrapped up the encounter from the penalty spot deep into stoppage time.
It was far from a dream World Cup debut for the Zambians in a match that finished with goalkeeper Catherine Musonda sent off and their defence spilt open so often by the rapid Japanese.
The Copper Queens stay rooted at the base of Group C as Japan go top with a superior goal difference over Spain.
Earlier in the day, the US began their title defence with a resounding 3-0 victory over Vietnam.
Sophia Smith’s brace was accompanied by Lindsay Horan’s 77th-minute strike, indicating their preparedness for the competition ahead.
England narrowly edged past debutants Haiti in a 1-0 win in the opening match of Group D.
The European champions were lacklustre against the Carribeans despite retaining 71 percent of the ball possession.
Georgia Stanway’s retaken penalty in the 29th minute was the sole difference for the Lionesses, who looked short of creativity and sharpness.
Demark also stunned China 1-0 to go top of Group D.
RESULTS
USA 3-0 Vietnam
Japan 5-0 Zambia
England 1- Haiti
Denmark 1-0 China
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