With Alexia Putellas back in the starting lineup, Spain overwhelmed Zambia with a 5-0 victory and secured their spot in the second round of the Women's World Cup.
Teresa Abelleira (9), 'Jenni' Hermoso (13 and 70), and Alba Redondo (69 and 85) were the authors of the winning goals for the team led by Jorge Vilda, in which double Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas started for the first time, a year after her serious knee injury.
This result also guaranteed Japan a place in the second phase of the Australia and New Zealand World Cup, after defeating Costa Rica 2-0 on Wednesday.
It was the second consecutive thrashing for the Africans, who lost by the same scoreline to the Asians in their first tournament match.
Spain and Japan will decide the winner of Group C on Monday in Wellington, although the Europeans have the advantage in goal difference.
Despite the strength of his team, Spanish coach Vilda stated that his team has a lot of room for improvement against Japan.
"We haven't seen the best version of Spain," Vilda said in a press conference after the match. "We have four days to prepare, recover physically, and play the best match against Japan."
Midfielder Teresa Abelleira opened the scoring in the 9th minute with a shot from outside the area.
Four minutes later, Putellas put a lofted pass on the head of Jennifer Hermoso to score the 2-0 goal.
Alba Redondo, who came on as a substitute for Putellas, scored the third goal in the 69th minute, followed shortly after by another goal from Jennifer Hermoso, who completed a brace.
Redondo also scored a brace by netting the fifth goal towards the end of the match.
Despite the scoreline, Zambia had moments where it seemed they could breach the Spanish goal and even managed to equalize the game for long stretches, played at Eden Park in Wellington.
Spain started with a fast-paced attacking style they showcased in their first match against Costa Rica, whom they defeated 3-0, combined with better effectiveness in front of the goal.
Putellas' presence in the first 45 minutes added precision to the attacking plays for the offensive players, such as the elusive Salma Paralluelo or Mariona Caldentey.
But the Zambians responded with long balls in search of the speedy Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji, but they lacked precision to capitalize on their runs.
With two goals against them in the first half, the Zambians tried to balance the score with determination and strength rather than tactical order, without troubling goalkeeper Misa Rodríguez.
In the second half, Spain sent Alba Redondo onto the field in place of Putellas, who started as a titular player for the first time in over a year due to a knee injury that kept her out of football for months.
It was during this period that Zambia slowed down their pace and conceded three more goals.
Coach Vilda substituted other key players like Aitana Bonmatí and Salma Parrulluelo, perhaps to protect them before the crucial match against Japan.
"I have no doubt that they will give their all, they will have a very good attitude. The group is functioning, which gives me peace of mind," Vilda said about his team.