Japan off to a flier with five goal win over debutants Zambia

OFF TO FLYING START: Hinata Miyazawa (R) of Japan celebrates with teammate Mina Tanaka (L) after scoring her team's first goal during game against Zambia. Pic: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images

Former champions Japan romped to a 5-0 over Zambia in their Women's World Cup opener at Waikato Stadium on Saturday, outclassing the debutant Africans with a slick display of pass-and-move football.

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 VAR.