Spain Women’s National Team coach Jorge Vilda has warned his side against underestimating Zambia who lost 5-0 to Japan at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
La Roja opened their campaign at the tournament with an impressive 3-0 victory over Costa Rica in Group C and will take on the Copper Queens in their second match tomorrow.
Speaking to journalists today, Vilda said Zambia managed to beat the world’s second-highest-ranked team, Germany and can beat anyone.
“Don’t let the result and game against Japan fool you,” he said. “Zambia beat Germany and are capable of beating anyone.
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Vilda believes the Copper Queens lost to a strong team, Japan, but they still have a very good attack.
“In general, we had not given credit to what a great team Japan are. They could have scored more, but that doesn’t mean Zambia won’t be dangerous beyond [Racheal] Kundananji and [Barbra] Banda. They are quick on the counter attack and take advantage of any little mistake you make.”
The coach also revealed that two-time Ballon d’Or winner and Barcelona’s Alexia Putellas is available for the match against Zambia.
Putellas only played the last 13 minutes of Spain’s first game at the World Cup.
Since recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury, she has yet to play a 90 minutes game for La Roja.
