The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 is in full swing (on FS1 and the FOX Sports App) on Saturday with a Group C match between Zambia and Japan at the FMG Stadium Waikato in New Zealand.
This is the World Cup debut for Zambia, who are ranked 77th in the world and are the lowest-ranked team to ever qualify for the tournament. Japan now has a lot more experience, having featured eight times and winning everything in 2011.
Japan have been on the mend lately, winning three of their last four games, including beating Olympic champions Canada at February’s SheBelieves Cup.
Follow our live coverage below!
Zambia vs Japan
42′: GOAL! A sweet pass sets the score
Teamwork makes the dream come true! Japan played crisp football in the first half and finally saw their labors pay off when Hinata Miyazawa scored the deciding goal with her fifth international goal.
Japan’s Hinata Miyazawa scores against Zambia
20′: It doesn’t count!
Japan were under pressure from the start of the game and after several early chances, they scored thanks to a brilliant oblique shot from Mina Tanaka. But after the referees checked the VAR, the goal was annulled by an offside call.
9′: Clink!
Catherine Musonda was put to the test early on when the Japanese unleashed a fearsome shot that went just wide of the target and ricocheted over the post.
6′: Intervene, step forward
After losing their first-choice goalkeeper, Zambia got a huge boost early on when substitute goalkeeper Musonda showed her composure by thwarting an early shot attempt.
5′: Push forward
Japan need a major tournament from their forwards if they are to relive the success of a decade ago and Tanaka showed her aggressiveness early on by putting pressure on Zambia’s defence.
FOREPLAY
Prepare the stage
The World Cup NOW team followed the game live on Twitter before kick-off.
Get into the rhythm
Zambia’s Copper Queens were in high spirits as they prepared to take the field for their World Cup debut. In fact, they have their very own World Cup song on sale right now!
“Practice every day with high goals”
Japanese Jun Endo has been playing soccer since she was two years old. In this video she shares some advice for young players.
Ready to go
These teams have different levels of experience, but both want to start fast and make a splash in this tournament.
Check out the full Women’s World Cup schedule here and find out how to watch every game live. The latest results can be found here.
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