WORLD CUP: Brazil leads group after beating Panama 4-0

The Brazilian women’s team thrashed Panama 4-0 Monday, in their World Cup debut in Australia, with a hat-trick and a great performance by Ary Borges and another goal by Bia Zaneratto, and took first place in Group F,  which includes France and Jamaica.

After the draw that France gave up to Jamaica on Sunday, Brazil, with 3 points, leads Group F and is close to qualifying for the next phase.

With the “queen” Marta starting as a substitute because she is not yet in full playing condition, the big star of the match was the midfielder Ary Borges, champion of the Copa Libertadores last year with Palmeiras and signed this year by Racing Louisville from the United States, with three goals and an assist for the other.

With the win already guaranteed, the Brazilian coach, the Swedish Pia Sundhage, two-time Olympic champion with the United States, decided to rest her main players, including Ary Borges, and satisfy the fans with the entry of Marta, so that the “queen” could add a few minutes in her sixth and apparently last World Cup.