Brazil crush Panama 4–0 in Women’s World Cup opener
Brazil’s first match in the Women’s World Cup was nothing short of smooth sailing. With no surprises this Monday (Jul. 24), the team crushed Panama 4–0 at the Hindmarsh stadium in Adelaide, Australia.
Midfielder Ary Borges, a newcomer to the World Cup scene, stole the show with three goals and an assist to Bia Zaneratto, who netted the fourth. After the victory, Pia Sundhage’s squad take the lead in Group F with three points, benefiting from the draw between France and Jamaica the day before.
Marta, six-time FIFA Women’s Best Player, only stepped in 30 minutes into the second half, by which time Brazil was already leading 4–0.
The number 10 had her chances to become the only player in World Cup history to score in six editions of the tournament. However, despite the team’s 34 shots on goal, Brazil were unable to reach the back of the net again.
Following their solid performance in the opener, the team should now face what could be their toughest challenge in the group stage: a match against the formidable France on Saturday (Jul. 29) in Brisbane. The outcome of this showdown might determine the group winner.
