Brazil laid down a marker by thrashing Panama 4-0, with Ary Borges scoring a hat-trick
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Ary Borges makes history with hat-trick on tournament debut
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Marta comes on to appear at sixth FIFA Women’s World Cup
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Brazil face France next, Panama take on Jamaica in Group F
Brazil 4-0 Panama | Group F
Goals: Ary Borges (19′, 39′, 70′), Bia Zaneratto (48′)
Ary Borges scored a brilliant hat-trick as Brazil made a dominant start to their FIFA Women’s World Cup™ campaign, thrashing Panama 4-0 in Group F.
Adriana set the tone right away, breaking through the Panama defence and poking her effort towards Yenith Bailey in just 44 seconds. Brazil continued to hound Bailey’s goal, racking up five attempts in 10 minutes before the pressure proved too much. Debinha drifted to the left wing and laid on a perfect cross for Borges, who directed her header low beyond Bailey for the opener.
Borges added her second before the break to capitalise on a relentless spell of attacking dominance from Pia Sundhage’s side, who often had nine or 10 players in Panama’s half. While Bailey did well to save Borges’ initial header, she had no chance with the rebound that fell right back at Borges’ feet for 2-0.
Borges was once again key for the Seleção’s third just two minutes after the break. Despite having a clear look on goal, her unselfish back-heel laid on a simple finish for Bia Zaneratto, who guided the ball into the roof of the net.
The day belonged to Borges though. She once again escaped her marker as Geyse’s cross provided the perfect opportunity for her third. Borges coolly headed through Bailey’s legs to complete a brilliant hat-trick on her tournament debut.
Borges made way for the the iconic Marta with 15 minutes remaining, the tournament’s all-time top scorer making an appearance in her sixth Women’s World Cup, much to the enjoyment of everyone at Adelaide’s Hindmarsh Stadium.
Key stat
Ary Borges is the first Brazilian player to score multiple goals on her Women’s World Cup debut, and the fourth Brazilian to score a hat-trick at the tournament.
VISA Player of the Match
Ary Borges (Brazil)
Quotes
“I’ve waited a long time for this moment. It’s a dream to be able to be here, playing in a World Cup. It’s one of the best days of my life. I’m very, very happy for the three goals, but the main thing was a debut in which we imposed ourselves. It was a lot of emotion, remembering everything I did to be here. It was a mixture of feelings. I was happy, I cried, anxious to start the game. Being here is truly a dream.” Ary Borges, Brazil hat-trick hero
fifa.com
