An impressive hat-trick from Ary Borges has spearheaded Brazil to a resounding 4-0 victory over Panama in Group F of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Adelaide.
Borges struck twice in the first half before completing her hat-trick after break, while also supplying a stunning assist for Brazil’s third.
Panama, competing in their maiden FIFA Women’s World Cup, were no match for the Brazilians who dominated play from start to finish at Hindmarsh Stadium on Monday.
Selecao coach Pia Sundhage was delighted with the result and the impressive performance.
“We scored four today and I’m very happy,” she said.
“As long as we create chances, there is no concern and the way we played today, I’m very satisfied with the combinations, and that Panama didn’t score a goal either.”
They were on the front foot as early as the first minute when Bia Zaneratto slipped through Adriana who tried to poke it past the onrushing Yenith Bailey but the Panama goalkeeper blocked the effort.
Brazil peppered Panama’s goal and on 18 minutes Debinha’s free kick from 25 metres whizzed just past the post.
Brazil eventually broke the deadlock a minute later and Debinha was involved again, this time cutting inside from the left and delivering a cross to the far post. Borges slipped her marker and found herself unguarded to nod home from six yards.
Borges grabbed her brace in the 39th minute in similar fashion to her first.
Adriana released Tamires on the left who drove to the byline and lifted a cross to the back post.
Borges’ header was saved by Bailey, but the rebound fell perfectly for the Brazilian midfielder to slam home from close range.
Brazil wasted no time following the interval and added a third three minutes after the restart with a stunning team effort and an early contender for goal of the tournament.
Tamires slipped through Debinha on the left who played a one-two inside the area with Adriana, who completed the return pass with a clever flick.
Debihna crossed to the penalty spot where Borges controlled and shaped to shoot, before teeing up Zaneratto with a delightful backheel. With Panama keeper Bailey already committed, Zaneratto fired into the back of the net.
Brazil scored their fourth in the 70th minute, as Borges completed her hat-trick after another incursion down the left.
Substitute Monica cut back and lobbed a cross to the penalty spot with her right foot where Borges ghosted through the area and headed through the legs of Bailey.
Panama coach Ignacio Quintana admitted it was a difficult clash, but is looking forward to the next group match against Jamaica.
“Our level is not 4-0, definitely there is room for improvement,” he said. “We cannot stay on this defeat, we need to turn the page.”
Source: Kee Pup
