Selecao Femenina’s potential this World Cup has been significantly bolstered by the leadership of a coach who was in charge of the U.S. The Sundhage factor also sets this Brazil side’s story apart from Messi’s in Qatar.

I’m satisfied with the combinations, and the fact that Panama didn’t score a goal.”Ī hat-trick on your World Cup debut… it doesn't get much better than that.Īry Borges scores her third to put #BRA 4-0 up against #PAN - she is only the fourth player to score a hat-trick for Brazil at a #FIFAWWC As long as we create chances, there is no concern. “It is difficult to score goals,” said coach Pia Sundhage, when asked whether she was satisfied by the final scoreline, or concerned that it wasn’t a bigger win. At times, their heavy touches exposed the possibility that they might have been battling nerves, but Borges’ opening goal in the 19th minute offered immediate relief.

Nonetheless, Brazil made it count, smothering Panama with a high press and one- and two-touch staccato passes that made the heavily-Brazilian crowd swell with pleasure.

Marta will no doubt contribute throughout this tournament, but she will be relying upon them just as much. Contrast that with Messi, who still has the ability to throw a team on his back and carry them across the line even at 36, and the necessity for a self-sustaining Brazilian side becomes even more critical. Marta suffered a torn ACL knee ligament last year and has played carefully-managed minutes since her return, which came at the SheBelieves Cup in February. Borges, along with players such as Debinha, Geyse, Kerolin and Rafaelle, are just as determined to usher Marta off the pitch with her first World Cup trophy as they are to solidify their own places in the football canon. Unlike the narrative around ‘Messi’s Argentina’, which depicted a lone superstar desperately in need of a supporting cast to propel him to glory, Marta is surrounded by consummate talents in their own right. She may not longer be on the pitch for Brazil come the end of the year, but there is no doubt the rising stars of the national team will continue to look to her.Marta (right) replaces Ary Borges (Photo: Sarah Reed/Getty Images)īut key distinctions between Marta and Brazil, and Messi and Argentina, make the former’s journey arguably even more enjoyable. “You can understand why people refer to her as the Queen of Football – she leads by example on and off the pitch.” “After getting to know her as a human being, you only admire Marta even more. “Playing alongside Marta was a dream come true for me,” she told FIFA. Her time with the national team can be perfectly encapsulated in the way she inspired those who have, and will continue to, follow in her footsteps.Ģ4-year-old Ary Borges is one of those next-generation ballers. There are current Brazil players who not only grew up idolising Marta but who then went on to get a chance to play alongside her. (Photo by Sarah Reed/Getty Images) (2023 Getty Images) Marta & the next generation It’s just the start for them, while for me it’s the end of the line.”ĪDELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 24: Marta (R) of Brazil is brought in for Ary Borges (L) during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group F match between Brazil and Panama at Hindmarsh Stadium on Jin Adelaide, Australia. “There are girls bursting with talent who have a massive future in front of them. “I’m very happy about how women’s football has evolved in Brazil and in the world. “It makes me extremely happy to have the record - but it represents Brazil as a nation, not Marta but all of this,” she said. Not even Lionel Messi (13) or Kylian Mbappe (12) could come close to the record.īut, of course, the Brazilian remains humble in her accolade. Perhaps a fitting ode to the player whose scoring record in the World Cup speaks for itself.Īcross six tournaments and 23 games, Marta has scored 17 goals, the most of any participant - men or women. It is effectively the same as the Puskás award, given to the scorer of the best goal in the men’s game and named after legendary Hungarian striker Ferenc Puskás. Recognised for her contribution to the game, the sporting organisation also announced that she would be immortalised with her very own namesake prize.įrom 2025, each year the player who is deemed to have scored the best goal in women’s football will be presented with the ‘Marta Award’. In early 2024, the now 38-year-old was honoured by FIFA with a special award. (Photo by Kate Green/FIFA via Getty Images) (KATE GREEN) Immortalised by FIFA LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 15: Marta Vieira da Silva reacts with the trophy during a Special Presentation during the The Best FIFA Football Awards 2023 at The Apollo Theatre on Januin London, England.

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