You know it's got to be something special when you record a hat trick at the World Cup but the lasting memory of your performance is an audacious assist.
That was the case for 23-year-old Brazil forward Ary Borges, who grabbed three goals in her first appearance at the World Cup during the Seleção's 4-0 clattering of Panama.
Borges, who plays for Racing Louisville in the NWSL, had Brazil up 2-0 before halftime with a brace. Then, three minutes into the second half, she created Bia Zaneratto's third for Brazil with an unselfish heel flick.
The entire buildup to the goal — including a lovely passing sequence between Debinha and Adriana — was the Brazilian way.
BRAZILIAN SOCCER AT ITS FINEST
Bia Zaneratto makes it three for Brazil pic.twitter.com/DT0c5838Rk— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 24, 2023
Such class, such creativity, such originality.. that's the Brazilian way pic.twitter.com/ItyIQlfMVV
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 24, 2023
"We're happy, the first game is always difficult. Four goals, and we played quite well," Brazil coach Pia Sundhage said. "I think Borges is happy as well, scoring a hat trick, she played well today."
Borges was replaced by Marta in the 75th minute.
HER 6TH FIFA WOMEN'S WORLD CUP
The global sensation and Brazilian legend Marta comes on for Brazil in the 75th minute pic.twitter.com/e9x9o5RNVw— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 24, 2023
Brazil goes top of Group F with three points, while France and Jamaica are second and third after their scoreless draw. France plays Brazil on Saturday at 6 a.m. ET in one of the group stage's biggest games.
4 goals, 4 works of art
Brazil put on a show in its 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup opener ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/nnwPmYkW7V— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 24, 2023
