Ary Borges netted a hat-trick and set up another goal as Brazil beat World Cup debutants Panama 4-0 in their Group F opener in Adelaide.
A dominant start to the game by Brazil saw Ary Borges put them in front with a 19th-minute header, and she added a second with a finish just before the break.
She subsequently turned provider three minutes into the second half, unselfishly teeing up Bia Zaneratto, before completing her treble with another headed effort in the 70th minute.
Brazil – for whom six-time world player of the year Marta came on in the second half, the veteran forward playing at a sixth World Cup – move to the top of their group ahead of a meeting in five days’ time with France, who were held 0-0 by Jamaica on Sunday.
Taking on opponents ranked 44 places below them at 52 in the world, Brazil went at Panama from the off, with goalkeeper Yenith Bailey being called upon in the opening minute to block an Adriana effort.
Antonia, Bia Zaneratto and Debinha sent attempts off target soon after as the Brazilian pressure continued before yielding a breakthrough when the latter’s cross was headed in by Ary Borges.
Having subsequently done well to tip a Luana strike over the bar, Bailey then parried from Ary Borges in the 39th minute, but the loose ball was pounced upon by the same player for a close-range finish.
Ary Borges was swiftly presented with another chance after the interval as she received the ball in front of goal, but she opted to roll it behind her for Bia Zaneratto to put Pia Sundhage’s team 3-0 up.
The hat-trick was then secured as Ary Borges headed in from substitute Geyse’s cross, a few minutes before Marta entered the fray, the 37-year-old great getting a big reception from the crowd.
