Brazil’s Borges says World Cup hat-trick ‘beyond wildest dreams’

Brazil’s midfielder #17 Ariadina Borges celebrates scoring her team’s first goal during the Australia and New Zealand 2023 Women’s World Cup Group F football match between Brazil and Panama at Hindmarsh Stadium in Adelaide on July 24, 2023. (Photo by Brenton EDWARDS / AFP)

Ary Borges called it beyond her wildest dreams after hitting the first hat-trick of this Women’s World Cup as Brazil crushed Panama 4-0 in a scintillating start to their campaign on Monday.

Far tougher challenges lie ahead — the team faces France next — but this was an impressive start for a Brazil side who have featured at all eight previous Women’s World Cups but never won it.

The stylish victory in Adelaide sent Brazil top of Group F after Jamaica surprisingly held France 0-0 on Sunday.

The 23-year-old attacking midfielder Borges, who plays for Racing Louisville in the United States, was the undoubted star of the show, scoring three goals and setting up the other.

“Today is one of the happiest days of my life,” she said. “I could not have imagined this in my wildest dreams.

“Just being here was special… it was very special to get a hat-trick in my first game at a World Cup.

“The day was full of emotions, I was emotional even beforehand,” added Borges, who covered her face with her hands after her first goal and appeared to break down in tears.

“I don’t think the pin has dropped yet,” she said.

A constant threat coming in off the right, Borges pounced twice from close range in the first half to leave Brazil in total control at the break and Panama never looked like getting back in it.

– ‘Typical Brazil goal’ –

Some of the Panama players and fans were in tears during their national anthem, underlining what it means to them to be at the World Cup for the first