Ary Borges scored a hat trick and her assist led to a spectacular goal by Bia Zaneratto as Brazil made a flying start at the Women’s World Cup by beating Panama 4-0 on Monday.
Despite Borges’ three goals, it was her assist on Zaneratto’s goal that was full of the flair that is the famed trait of Brazilian soccer.
When Debinha’s cross landed at Borges’ feet toward the end of a sweeping move, the forward, who had struck twice in the first half, looked set to add a third. Instead, she checked, wrong-footed Panama’s defense and backheeled to Zaneratto, who lifted her shot into the top corner.
Following Germany's 6-0 rout of Morocco earlier Monday, Pia Sundhage’s Brazilian lineup produced a statement performance.
“The first game is always difficult. Four goals and sometimes we played quite well,” Sundhage said, in a clearly understated assessment of her team's opening match.
It means a win against France on Saturday will ensure Brazil advances to the knockout stages from Group F.
Panama, making its debut at the tournament, could do little to keep the 2007 runners-up at bay, with Borges ruthless in front of the goal.
For Borges, her introduction to the World Cup could hardly have been more emphatic.
She struck twice in the first half and completed her hat trick in the 70th minute after providing her inspired assist for Zaneratto.
Borges’ header gave Brazil the lead in the game’s 19th minute from close range after meeting a cross from Debinha.
She got her second in the 39th minute when turning in the rebound after her initial header was saved by Panama goalkeeper Yenith Bailey.
Her third was another header, this time from Geyse's cross.
“I’ve waited a long time for this moment. It’s a dream to be able to be here, playing in a World Cup," Borges said. "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.”
Borges was replaced by Brazil legend Marta late in the match.
It was the 37-year-old Marta's sixth World Cup, and she is the competition’s all-time leading scorer with 17 goals.
