On Day 5 of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, Italy’s Cristiana Girelli, Germany’s Alexandra Popp, and Brazil’s Ary Borges emerged as heroes for their countries.
Girelli’s late header, a brace from Popp, and a hat trick from Borges opened up the Golden Boot race and demonstrated the quality of players this tournament offers.
However, it wasn’t all glory as Argentina and World Cup debutants Morocco and Panama failed to make a splash. Nonetheless, this summer’s showpiece is shaping up to be a tournament to remember.
THE RESULTS
GROUP G: Italy 1, Argentina 0 (in Auckland) – Game stats || Report
GROUP H: Germany 6, Morocco 0 (in Melbourne) – Game stats || Report
GROUP F: Brazil 4, Panama 0 (in Adelaide) – Game stats || Report
MAIN TALKING POINTS
Late Girelli header lifts Italy to victory
After a disastrous result at last summer’s European Championship, Italy (No. 16) started their Women’s World Cup campaign with a hard-fought win over Argentina (No. 28).
The South Americans had an incredible start when Mariana Larroquette’s bicycle kick narrowly missed the net in the second minute of play. The first half drama continued when Italy’s Ariana Caruso and Valentina Giacinti both had goals ruled offside.
The second half was just as aggressive, but it was veteran striker Girelli who lifted Le Azzurre to victory. Auckland’s Eden Park’s crowd of 30,899 erupted in cheers as the 33-year-old’s 87th minute header earned Italy three points in their tournament opener.
Girelli, who had only entered the game four minutes prior, became the first Italian player to score in two editions of the Women’s World Cup.
‘No-nonsense’ Germany earn largest tournament win thus far
While tournament debutants Morocco (No. 72) gave it their all, they were no match for the Germans. The juggernauts made quick work of their opponents and solidified their spot as one of the tournament favourites with a 6-0 win.
The two-time World Cup champions entered this summer’s tournament ranked second. While Germany has many players who can score goals, Alexandra Popp’s first-half brace opened the floodgates.
From there, Germany maintained possession through a high press. They looked classy and compact as Kiara Bühl netted their third. After two own-goals from Morocco, Lea Schüller added a sixth in the 90th minute.
The win, which is the largest of the tournament so far, continued Germany’s undefeated streak against African nations in the World Cup.
Borges hat trick pummels Panama’s debut
Ary Borges scored a stunning hat trick as the Brazilians made a dominant start to their World Cup campaign.
The Seleçao immediately set the tone for the match with their forceful attack and ability to weave through Panama’s backline. While Borges’ goals were clearly important, the moment of the match came when she selflessly passed the ball back with her heel to teammate Bia Zaneratto, who netted Brazil’s third in the 48th minute.
In the final 15 minutes, Brazilian legend Marta stepped on the pitch to kick off her sixth World Cup, prompting cheers throughout the 13,142 fans at Hindmarsh Stadium in Adelaide.
Despite the loss, Panama made a righteous debut and will look to reset before their next match against Jamaica on Saturday.
MOMENT OF THE DAY
Twenty-five-year-old Moroccan defender Nouhalia Benzina made history by becoming the first player to wear a hijab at the FIFA Women’s World Cup. The Atlas Lionesses, who made their tournament debut on Monday, also became the first Arab country to qualify for the Cup.
Before Morocco took on Germany, Assmaah Helal, co-founder of the Muslim Women in Sports Network, spoke about the impact of Benzina’s hijab.
“Girls will look at Benzina [and think]that could be me,” he said.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“It’s always difficult because you don’t really know where you stand or how your opponent will play. But we were able to impose our game. To have this kind of atmosphere in a stadium like this, that’s what a World Cup is all about. It pushes you, the fans carry you. It’s so fun to play football like this.” — German captain Alexandra Popp.
THREE STARS OF THE DAY
1. Cristiana Girelli, Italy: In the 83rd minute, Girelli replaced 16-year-old midfielder Giulia Dragoni and made an instant impact. The veteran only needed four minutes to head the ball past Argentina goalkeeper Vanina Correa. The late goal gave the Italians a hard-fought victory.
2. Alexandra Popp, Germany: Popp struck twice in Germany’s commanding win over Morocco. The 32-year-old, who was forced to withdraw from the EURO 2022 final due to injury, used her precision and aerial presence to get the ball in the net.
3. Ary Borges, Brazil: The 23-year-old, who won the player of the match, scored the first hat trick of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Her free-flowing attacking style and excellent positioning helped the lethal scorer emerge as an early Golden Boot favourite.
LOOKING AHEAD
Group G continues as Columbia (No. 25) takes on Korea Republic (No. 17) in Sydney at 10 p.m. ET Monday evening. Shortly after, New Zealand (No. 26), will face the Philippines (No. 46) in Wellington on Tuesday at 1:30 a.m. ET. To cap off Matchday 6, Switzerland (No. 20) challenges Norway (No. 12) at 4:00 a.m. ET from Hamilton.
