Zambia’s hopes of a dream start to their maiden Women’s World Cup campaign were shattered after a 5-0 defeat by former champions Japan on Saturday
The Copper Queens were handed a brutal reality check on the global stage by the clinical 2011 winners in Hamilton in their Group C clash.
A brace from striker Hinata Miyazawa set the foundations for the rout, with Mina Tanaka, Jun Endo and Riko Ueki also finding the net for the rampant Nadeshiko.
Tanaka saw two of her strikes ruled out by VAR before sweeping home just after half-time to further break Zambian hearts.
She then turned provider for Miyazawa to tap-in and make it 3-0 after adding a second herself.
Endo’s solo brilliance extended the advantage before Ueki scored a retaken penalty after Zambia keeper Catherine Musonda saw red for fouling her.
The heavy defeat will also serve as a reminder of the unforgiving nature of the global stage for debutants against elite opposition.
The margin of victory highlights the ardousness of Zambia’s task Zambia in their maiden World Cup voyage.
The Copper Queens must quickly regroup before facing European giants Spain in a bid to avoid further punishment.
For clinical Japan, it was the ideal opening statement to strike fear into their rivals in Group C.
Photo credit: FIFA