Women’s World Cup 2023: Brazil and Germany make early statement with huge opening wins | OneFootball

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ry Borges scored a hat-trick as Brazil got their Women’s World Cup campaign off to a flying start by thumping Panama.

The South American champions were in fine form, putting the tournament debutants to the sword with some brilliant attacking football.

Borges was the star of the show on her own World Cup debut, with the forward scoring three and setting up Bia Zaneratto’s strike with a back-heeled assist.

She is the first player to score a hat-trick at the 2023 tournament, and only the fourth Brazilian in history to do so at a Women’s World Cup.

The win means Brazil are top of Group F and two points clear of France and Jamaica, who drew on Sunday.

France and Brazil will face each other next on Saturday and the game is now a massive one for Les Bleus as they try to qualify for the last-16.

Brazil weren’t the only big winners on Monday, with Germany kicking off their quest for glory by recording an equally huge victory.

Last year’s European Championship finalists defeated World Cup debutants Morocco 6-0 and captain Alexandra Popp caught the eye.

Popp, who missed the final of Euro 2022 due to injury, scored twice in the opening 40 minutes to get Germany on their way.

They continued to push for goals after the break and Klara Buhl pounced on a rebound shortly after half-time to extend their lead.

Morocco’s Hanane Ait El Haj and Yasmin Mrabet then both scored own goals, before Lea Schuller added a sixth in the 90th minute to put Germany top of Group H.

The Group G clash between Italy and Argentina was far tighter, and in keeping with many games at this World Cup.

Italy striker Cristiana Girelli came off the bench and scored the only goal of the game in the 87th minute.

It was a relief for Italy, who had two earlier goals both ruled out for offside.

“Cristiana is a leader, a captain of this group,” said Italy manager Milena Bertolini. “She is always there and we know what she can give.