Spain vs Zambia – Group Stage – Preview & Prediction | 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup
THE FACTS
When is Spain vs Zambia on and what time does it start? Spain vs Zambia will take place on Wednesday 26th July, 2023 – 08:30 (UK)
Where is Spain vs Zambia taking place? Spain vs Zambia will take place at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand.
Where can I get tickets for Spain vs Zambia? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for Spain vs Zambia
What channel is Spain vs Zambia on in the UK? Spain vs Zambia will be televised live on BBC Two
Where can I stream Spain vs Zambia in the UK? Spain vs Zambia can be streamed on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website
THE LOWDOWN
SPAIN
- Spain played with ruthless efficiency against Costa Rica, not giving them a sniff of the ball and killing the game off in the opening half hour, scoring three times without reply in a performance which saw them register over 40 shots on goal and over 80% possession.
- Alexia Putellas’ cameo off the bench capped off an excellent night for Spain, the Barcelona superstar is only likely to improve with more minutes as this tournament goes on, but it’s unlikely that she’ll be risked from start just yet.
ZAMBIA
- Zambia endured a nightmare start to life in Group C, as they were thrashed comprehensively by Japan, who ultimately won by five goals to nil as Zambia went to pieces in the second half, leaving their qualification hopes hanging by a thread.
- It got even worse for Zambia right at the end as goalkeeper Catherine Musonda was sent off, leaving her suspended for this game with 21-year-old Eunice Sakala expected to take her place.
THE TEAM NEWS
SPAIN
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Misa; Batlle, Paredes, Andres, Carmona; Bonmati, Abelleira; Del Castillo, Hermoso, Paralluelo; Gonzalez
UNAVAILABLE: Garcia (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
ZAMBIA
PREDICTED XI (4-1-4-1): Sakala; Belemu, Musase, Mweemba, Tembo; S. Banda; Kundanaji, Lungu, Katongo, Mapepa; B. Banda
UNAVAILABLE: Musonda (Suspended), Nali (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
THE KEY STATS
- Spain recorded their biggest-ever win in FIFA Women’s World Cup history with the 3-0 victory over Costa Rica in their opening match. Their previous largest margin of victory was 3-1 against South Africa in 2019.
- Spain have kept a clean sheet in their last two FIFA Women's World Cup group matches.
- In Spain’s opening match Salma Paralluelo became the youngest ever player to represent the nation at the FIFA Women's World Cup at 19 years and 250 days. In the same fixture Jennifer Hermoso became their oldest player in a FIFA Women’s World Cup match at the age of 33 years and 73 days.
- Overall, six of Spain’s nine goals at the FIFA Women’s World Cup have been scored in the first half.
THE PREDICTION
The only disappointment Spain would have had coming out of that game vs Costa Rica was them not winning by a bigger margin. They had the chances to produce a statement score-line, but had to settle for just the three goals. This team holds high standards and more of a cutting edge may be on the cards this time round against a Zambian team without their first-choice goalkeeper and a backline low on confidence following that thrashing by Japan. With that in mind, backing Spain to win by at least three clear goals has to be favoured.
TIP: SPAIN TO WIN WITH -2 HANDICAP
