Spain smash Zambia to stroll into Women's World Cup last 16

Spain underlined their credentials as one of the pre-tournament favourites when they became one of the first teams to seal qualification for the Women's World Cup knockout round with a 5-0 win over Zambia.

Teresa Abelleira opened the scoring in Auckland before Jennifer Hermoso and Alba Redondo both scored twice to give Spain their second victory in Group C, which also assured Japan of last-16 qualification after they beat Costa Rica 2-0 earlier on Wednesday.

Abelleira settled any opening nerves with the fastest goal of the tournament when she picked up the ball after an intricate passing move in the ninth minute and fired a shot from long range that rocketed into the top corner.

Four minutes later, Hermoso marked her 100th appearance for Spain with an easy header at the far post after Zambia failed to defend a cross from Alexia Putellas.