Ari Borges scores first hat-trick of Women’s World Cup as Brazil beat Panama; Germany defeated Morocco

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CNN
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Germany and Brazil have made excellent starts Women’s World Cup Monday campaigns with impressive wins against openers Morocco and Panama respectively.

Ari Borges scored the first hat-trick of the tournament to help Brazil beat Panama 4-0. Earlier, Germany beat Morocco 6-0.

Borges scored two goals in the first half of a dominant Brazilian performance, before he capped an impressive World Cup debut with a third midway through the second half.

He was replaced by Brazilian great Marta 15 minutes before the end of the game to a standing ovation from the crowd at the Hindmarsh Stadium in Adelaide, Australia.

Pia Sannerato scored Brazil’s other goal as Pia Sunday’s side went top of Group F to qualify Marta and co from the group after France’s surprise draw with Jamaica on Sunday. A win against France on Saturday would ensure qualification for the knockouts.

It will be an important game for Panama, who are playing in the tournament for the first time. The magnitude of the event was evident as many of Panama’s players shed tears during the national anthems.

Once the game started, the gulf in class was evident as Brazil dominated all aspects of the game; Enjoying more possession, creating chances at will and limiting potential Panama attacks.

It took less than 20 minutes for Brazil to take a deserved lead when Borges headed home from a point cross from the left.

The 23-year-old got his second just before half-time, again connecting with a cross from the left. Her header was saved, but she was able to convert the rebound.

After the break, Seleção’s lead quickly blossomed to three with a superb team goal.

Some neat combination play and a precise cross fell to Borges in the center of the goal. Standing between the goalkeeper and Hattrick, he unselfishly delivered a neat backheel to set up Generato a simple chance to slam home.

However, Borges completed his hat-trick with another header.

Alexandra Popp scored twice as Germany dominated Morocco in what was the biggest score of the Women’s World Cup so far.

Bob, 32, headed home twice in the first half to distract her Country For a crucial three points in Group H ahead of Colombia’s match against South Korea on Tuesday.

Seconds after the restart after half-time, Clara Bull grabbed Germany’s third goal as the European side made some sloppy mistakes from the African World Cup debutant.

Another own goal, this time in the 79th minute by Yasmin Mrabed, made it 5-0, and Leah Schuller’s late strike capped a successful evening for Germany.

Despite the result, it was an important day for Morocco, who made history by becoming the first Arab team to participate in the tournament. Although she will not come off the bench, Atlas Lions defender Nouhaila Benzina will become the first player to wear a hijab at the World Cup if she plays in the tournament.

The European finalist began her campaign in ferocious fashion, capitalizing on a Moroccan error to regain control of the pitch early on, allowing Kathryn Hendrich Popp to deliver an inch-perfect cross to give Germany an 11th-minute lead.

It was Pop’s 63rd goal for her country as she and her teammates got off to the perfect start to banish the ghosts of last year’s Euro 2022 final loss to England.

Germany looked like doubling the lead soon after, but Sarah Tapritz’s skilful chip was ruled offside – replays showed it was the correct decision.

The Germans scored again with a pop header – the striker used his height and power to force the Moroccan defenders to cross from a corner.

Although the scoreline suggested Germany had it easy, Morocco looked to threaten on the counter-attack with plenty of energy and effort.

However, within 23 seconds of the second half, the result was decided. A wayward pass was immediately taken advantage of by Germany, and Bull headed home his team’s third goal after the ball bounced off the post.

Although the result looked out of their grasp, the Moroccans did not lose hope as Anissa Lahmari curled home what looked like a glorious goal, only to be ruled out for offside.

Unfortunately for Morocco, the goals didn’t stop for two-time World Cup winners Germany, with Aït El Haj accidentally turning into his own net.

Chances began to flow for Germany – looking for their first goal of the tournament – as the game opened with Morocco looking to secure their men’s victory at the 2022 World Cup, reaching the semi-finals in Qatar.

Mrabet’s late own goal from a corner – Moroccan goalkeeper Khadijah Er-Rimichi poked the ball off her head into the back of the net – kept the scoring going and Schuller’s low strike sealed victory for the Germans.

It was a strong display from Germany and explains why they are earmarked as favorites to run deep into the tournament.