Forward Ary Borges made history at the Women’s World Cup with a stunning hat trick in Brazil’s 4-0 victory over Panama in Adelaide, Australia. Photo by Matt Turner/EPA-EFE
July 24 (UPI) — Ary Borges, a 23-year-old Brazilian midfielder, showcased her talent by scoring a hat trick in the group-stage match against Panama at the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Adelaide, Australia. Borges’s goals came in the 19th, 39th, and 70th minutes of the game, making her the youngest Brazilian player to achieve this feat in a Women’s World Cup. She also became the first Brazilian player to score multiple goals in her World Cup debut.
“I’ve waited a long time for this moment,” Borges told reporters. “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.”
Beatriz, a striker for Brazil, also contributed to the team’s victory with a goal, securing a 4-0 win at Coopers Stadium.
Yenith Bailey, the goalkeeper for Panama, made an impressive save against Brazilian midfielder Adriana’s shot just 40 seconds into the match. However, Borges soon found her chance and capitalized on it, scoring her first goal in the 19th minute. The goal was set up by striker Debinha, who raced down the left flank and delivered a cross for Borges to head past Bailey.
Bailey continued to make saves, denying multiple Brazilian attempts in the 36th minute. But Borges managed to find the back of the net again in the 39th minute. A pass from Adriana to Tamires on the left side led to Borges heading in the rebound after Bailey blocked her initial attempt.
With a 2-0 lead at halftime, Brazil showed no signs of slowing down. Beatriz extended their lead with a goal in the 48th minute, assisted by Borges’s blind, heel pass.
Borges completed her hat trick in the 70th minute, with striker Geyse providing the assist. Geyse played a pass to Borges, who skillfully headed the ball into the net to seal the 4-0 victory.
Brazil’s Marta, the all-time leading scorer in Women’s World Cup history, also made her debut in the 2023 tournament during the match against Panama. As Brazil now leads Group F, Marta aims to become the first player to score in six different editions of the tournament.
Next, Brazil will face France in a highly anticipated match, while Panama will play against Jamaica. The competition in Group F is fierce, with teams vying for a spot in the knockout stage.
In other matches of the day, Germany secured a dominant 6-0 victory over Morocco, with striker Alexandra Popp scoring twice. Italy also claimed a 1-0 win against Argentina, thanks to a late goal by striker Cristiana Girelli.
The Women’s World Cup continues with exciting matchups, including the United States facing the Netherlands in a Group E clash. Fans can look forward to intense competition and outstanding performances throughout the tournament.
