World Cup: Ary Borges shines with Brazil hat-trick, Germany and Italy secure first wins | OneFootball

The latest instalment of World Cup action once again did not disappoint. Cristina Girelli netted an important header to clinch Italy the three points over Argentina. Germany thrashed Morocco in a 6-0 spectacle, and Ary Borges of Brazil stole the headlines with the first hat-trick of the tournament.

The competition remains wide open so let’s take a closer look at the World Cup results from Monday in Australia and New Zealand.

Italy 1-0 Argentina

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As day five of the World Cup got underway, Italy and Argentina kicked the day’s action off. Just 12 places separate the two sides in the FIFA world rankings and there was little to separate them on the pitch too. The game was arguably one of the most balanced we have seen so far throughout the tournament, with Italy enjoying the marginally better performance.

A late substitution saw Cristiana Girelli come on in place of Barcelona’s Giulia Dragoni. Just four minutes after coming off the bench, Girelli had bagged her side a late winner. Italy will look to improve their finishing in the final third ahead of a challenging meeting with Sweden.

Germany 6-0 Morocco

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With 70 places separating Morocco from Germany, Reynald Pedros’ side were always going to be facing a tough challenge. Alexandra Popp’s 11th minute goal was a clear indication of what was to come. A second for Popp alongside goals from Klara Buhl and Lea Schuller, as well as two own goals saw last year’s Euro 2022 finalists enjoy a more than comfortable 6-0 win.

Despite the heavy loss, there are positives for Morocco to take from the game. Spells of good play combined with the ability to create chances will give Pedros’ side hope as they face South Korea. The win marks a real statement of intent from the Germans as they vie to secure their third World Cup.

Brazil 4-0 Panama

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Brazil’s performance against Panama certainly will have lived up to fans expectations. The 4-0 victory was everything we have come to expect from Pia Sundhage’s side. Brazil’s distinctive fluidity alongside their relentlessness in front of goal saw Panama completely unable to handle their opponents.

Ary Borges stole the show with her blistering performance, securing the tournament’s first hat-trick inside 70 minutes. Bia Zaneratto also got herself on the scoresheet to really hammer the nail in the coffin for Panama.

Brazil will look to continue their winning form when they take on Jamaica next. Despite the scoreline, Sundhagen’s side will hope to improve their clinical finishing in front of goal, having scored just four from 32 shots against Panama. The Canal Girls’ goalkeeping performance from Yenith Bailey will be a positive for Ignacio Quintana to take from the defeat. Despite the heavy loss, the No.12’s performance prevented Brazil from further extending their lead.

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