Sun | May 24, 2026

Brazil impress with 4-0 win at Women’s World Cup

Published:Tuesday | July 25, 2023 | 12:10 AM
Brazil’s Ary Borges celebrates her hat-trick goal during the Women’s World Cup Group F match between Brazil and Panama in Adelaide, Australia, yesterday.
AP
Brazil’s Ary Borges celebrates her hat-trick goal during the Women’s World Cup Group F match between Brazil and Panama in Adelaide, Australia, yesterday.

ADELAIDE, Australia (AP):

Ary Borges scored a hat trick as Brazil made a flying start at the Women’s World Cup yesterday by beating Panama 4-0.

An early contender for goal of the tournament had to be Bia Zaneratto finishing off a move full of Brazilian flair. And Borges, playing at her first World Cup, was right at the heart of it with a back-heeled assist following a brilliant team move.

Brazil made an early statement by moving to the top of Group F and Borges was the star at Hindmarsh Stadium.

She struck twice in the first half and completed her treble in the 70th minute.

Panama, making their debut at the tournament, could do little to keep the 2007 runners-up at bay, with Borges ruthless in front of goal.

She headed her team in front in 19th from close range and got her second in the 39th when turning in the rebound after her first effort was saved by Panama goalkeeper Yenith Bailey.

Zaneratto added the third three minutes into the second half when Brazil put together a sweeping passing move.

Borges then went on to complete her hat trick with another header.

Brazil legend Marta went on in the second half to mark her sixth World Cup. The 37-year-old forward is the competition’s all-time leading scorer with 17 goals.

Meanwhile, in another match yesterday, Alexandra Popp made an impressive return to the international stage with a pair of goals in Germany’s 6-0 win over Morocco.

The veteran striker missed the loss to England in the 2022 European Championship final after experiencing muscular problems prior to the match. She’d scored in each of Germany’s previous matches in the competition, becoming the first player to score in five consecutive games in the women’s tournament.

“For me, personally, I’ve been happy and I’ve been healthy all year,” Popp said. “I can support my team. That is important to me, and that gives me strength, and I hope that stays the same throughout the tournament.”

Italy also started the tournament on a winning note by clipping Argentina 1-0.

Today’s matches

Group A

12:30 a.m: New Zealand vs Philippines

3 a.m: Switzerland vs Norway

Tomorrow’s matches

Group C

12:00: Japan vs Costa Rica

2:30 a.m: Spain vs Zambia

Group B

7 a.m: Canada vs Ireland

Group E

8 p.m: USA vs Netherlands