Brazil’s hat-trick hero Borges on the rise

BRISBANE, Australia (AP):

Brazil's Ary Borges announced herself on football's biggest stage with a hat-trick of goals and an assist in her Women's World Cup debut against Panama in Group F.

After scoring two first-half goals against Panama, Borges was poised for a hat-trick when she received a cross in the penalty area from teammate Debinha. Instead of shooting, she selflessly back-heeled the ball to Bia Zaneratto to set up an early contender for the goal of the tournament.

While viewers gasped in awe, those who know Borges were impressed but not surprised by this improvisation.

"It's just her incredible ability to understand scenarios and her IQ in the moments," Beverly Yanez, assistant coach at Borges' club, Racing Louisville FC, said.

Borges' arrival on the scene comes at a significant time for Brazil as Marta, Brazil's greatest woman footballer, plays in her sixth and final World Cup. Although Marta is irreplaceable, the nation is searching for young players who possess similar qualities.

The 23-year-old Borges is the first Brazilian to score a hat trick in her Women's World Cup debut and is the youngest Brazilian to record a hat-trick in a Women's World Cup. After her work was done against Panama on Monday, Borges was replaced by Marta in the 75th minute.

The substitution felt fitting, with a legend going on in place of a rising star.

Marta, whose 17 World Cup goals are a record for women and men, inspired countless young players with her joyful style of play. Borges is beginning to show some of the same qualities.

"Ary is a sensational person and a joy for the group for who she is and how she plays," teammate and defender Lauren Leal said.

This joy and emotion were on full display when Borges fell to her knees in tears immediately after scoring her first World Cup goal.

"When I scored the first goal, I remembered my journey to get there at that moment," Borges said.

The journey began in Sao Luis, Maranhao, a city in northeast Brazil. She moved to Sao Paulo at age 10 and began her professional career with Palmeiras. In December 2022, Borges signed with Racing Louisville FC.

She made her Brazil debut on September 17, 2021. In her 30 appearances for Brazil, she has scored eight goals.

As Borges prepares for the remainder of the tournament, Yanez echoed the enthusiasm of many of Borges' new fans.

"I'm excited to see where she grows ... and what the young girls and young boys are going to look at when they think of Ary," Yanez said.