Brazil kick off Women's World Cup campaign with emphatic victory over Panama

Ary Borges scored a hat-trick as Brazil kicked off their FIFA Women's World Cup campaign with an emphatic 4-0 victory over Panama at the Hindmarsh Stadium in Adelaide.

Borges netted twice in the first half and completed her hat-trick in the 70th minute while Beatriz Zaneratto Joao rounded off the scoring for the Selecao.

The South American champions came out of the blocks quickly in the Group F encounter and took the lead in the 19th minute when Borges was left unmarked at the back-post and headed home.

The forward was on the scoresheet again five minutes before halftime break when she tapped in a rebound after her initial header was saved by Panama goalkeeper Yenith Bailey.

Brazil put the game beyond just three minutes after the interval when Borges turned provider, setting up Zaneratto to make it 3-0.

Borges then made it a World Cup debut to remember for herself when she netted for a third time, cushioning a header between the legs of Bailey.

There was also time for legendary Brazil number 10 Marta to enter the fray from the bench, the 37-year-old making an appearance in her sixth World Cup.

The victory moves Brazil to the top of the group after France and Jamaica played to a goalless stalemate in their World Cup opener on Sunday.