Have Brazil scored the best goal of the Women’s World Cup so far?

Brazil’s Ary Borges said she went through the full range of emotions during her Women’s World Cup debut in a 4-0 win over Panama, adding she was as surprised as anyone to hit a hat-trick.

The 23-year-old scored three goals and set up another with a backheel to Bia Zaneratto on Monday in Adelaide. Zaneratto’s strike is already being hailed as a contender for goal of the tournament after some brilliant one-touch build-up play by the Brazilians.

Borges, who plays for National Women’s Soccer League club Racing Louisville in the US, called it “one of the happiest days” of her life.

“I couldn’t have imagined this in my wildest dream,” a tearful Borges said.

“The debut in the World Cup in itself was a very special moment for me, just to be here. It’s very special to be able to score three goals in a World Cup in my first game, but this is just the beginning of a long walk that we have ahead of us.

“The day was full of emotions. I think I had all the highs and lows that a human being can have. I was very happy. I was very nervous. I cried. I smiled … If anybody told me beforehand that I was going to score three goals on my debut I would have laughed in their faces.”

Brazil’s Ary Borges celebrates after completing her hat-trick in Adelaide.Credit: AP

With her three goals, Borges became the fourth player to score a hat-trick in a Women’s World Cup game for Brazil after Pretinha, Cristiane and Sissi, and the first to do it on her debut.

“I’m very happy to be part of this select group of players who have managed to score three goals in the World Cup,” Borges said.

“If I’m here today, it’s because these women have fought a lot for football in our country. So this is a very special moment to be able to be part of this, to be living this moment. It’s a very nice story that I will be able to tell my family.”

Borges was named player of the match for her incredible performance, receiving the trophy from Brazil veteran Marta, who is playing in her sixth Women’s World Cup and has scored a record 17 goals in the tournament.

Borges said she had asked to be awarded the trophy by Marta.

“Sometimes she doesn’t even realise how much we admire her,” Borges said.

“She is truly a person that motivates us, so sharing this moment with her is very special for me. I admire her a lot.”

Reuters

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