Women's World Cup: Zambia reeling after suffering second defeat

The heavy loss in Auckland marked the Copper Queens' second successive 5-0 group stage defeat after being similarly dismantled by former champions Japan in their first Group C match.

With one match remaining against Costa Rica, trainer Bruce Mwape's side have now conceded ten goals without reply in their opening two games.

This latest reverse at the hands of a rampant Spanish side was effectively over by half-time after strikes from Teresa Abelleira and Jennifer Hermoso's 100th international goal.

A quickfire second half brace from substitute Alba Redondo extended the Copper Queens' misery before Hermoso smashed in her 50th Spain strike to complete the rout.

The European giants strolled through to go top in Group C, joining Japan in the last 16 after maintaining their perfect start.

For Zambia, the thrashing capped a chastening World Cup baptism against world-class opposition after competitive spells in both games ultimately gave way to heavy defeats.

Their hopes of claiming a first ever World Cup point now rest on Monday's meeting with Costa Rica, who have also lost both matches heavily so far.