Brazil outclassed Panama 4-0 in their opening game of the FIFA Women’s World Cup at Hindmarsh Stadium, Australia on Monday.
Brazil displayed a complete performance as they not only beat Panama but dominated them in all aspects of the game.
Brazil started the game with a blast as Ary Borges opened the scoring for yellow shirts by scoring a beautiful header on Debinha’s cross in the 19th minute after which she broke down into tears.
The yellow shirts did not stop after scoring one goal as their lead was doubled by Borges who, once again, scored a goal after her headed attempt was saved in the 39th minute.
Right after the start of the second half, Brazil’s forward Bia Zaneratto scored one more and secured the victory for her in the 48th minute.
In the 70th minute, Borges scored one more and scored the first-ever hat-trick at the Women’s World Cup 2023.
She became the fifth different player to score a hat-trick on her Women’s World Cup debut after Italy’s Carolina Morace in 1991, Norway’s Kristin Sandberg in 1995, Japan’s Mio Otani in 2005 and Cameroon’s Gaelle Enganamouti in 2015.
Brazil dominated the entire game, they made 32 shots (10 on target), and had 73% possession as well.
It must be mentioned that Brazil have won their opening match in all nine editions of the Women’s World Cup by an aggregate score of 27-1.
Their next game is against France on July 28 at the Suncorp Stadium, Australia.
On the other hand, Italy defeated Argentina 1-0 with Cristiana Girelli scoring a late goal in the 87th minute.
Earlier, Germany's captain Alexandra Popp made a strong comeback on the international stage as she drove her side to a 6-0 victory over Morocco.
The experienced striker scored two goals in the first half to lead her team's way to register their biggest win of the tournament to date.
Popp, who missed Euros, said she is very excited to start off the mega event on a high note.