HAMILTON, New Zealand – Former champion Japan romped to a 5-0 over Zambia in its Women’s World Cup opener at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton, New Zealand, on Saturday, outclassing the debutant Africans with a slick display of pass-and-move soccer.
Hinata Miyazawa scored twice and fellow forward Mina Tanaka found the net in the second half after having two earlier efforts called back for offside by video replay.
Winger Jun Endo added the fourth in the 71st minute and substitute Riko Ueki got the fifth from a penalty in stoppage time after Zambia goalkeeper Catherine Musonda had been dismissed for receiving two yellow cards.
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