Sweltering performance by Netherlands in their opening Group F Olympic football game saw the Dutch beat Zambia 10-3, breaking the record for the most goals scored by a single team in a women’s Olympic football match.
Dutch and Arsenal striker, Vivianne Miedema, stole the show as she scored four goals in the game played at Miyagi Stadium in Rifu.
With Wednesday’s performance, Netherlands are no doubt one of the favourites for the gold medal.
The way the Dutch defended against Zambia, however, will be a concern as they did not look able to protect their high line by pressing the ball in midfield.
Despite the emphatic defeat, the Zambians had cause to celebrate as Captain Barbra Banda scored her country’s first-ever women’s goal at the Olympics.
The 21-year-old striker went on to score a memorable hat-trick, becoming the first female African player to score three goals at Games.
The Netherlands face Brazil next on Saturday, who earlier on Wednesday secured a 5-0 win over China.
