It’s a match she will remember for a long time, but not for the reasons she wanted before going on the pitch. Against the United States, on the occasion this Sunday of the 2nd day of the SheBelieves, a friendly tournament played every year, the New Zealander Meikayla Moore sadly illustrated herself by scoring three goals against her side in one period, including two in two minutes. The defender was taken off before the break and the double world champions finally won… 5-0.
The 25-year-old Liverpool player’s ordeal began after just five minutes, with a magnificent opposite right-footed top corner. He continued on a header counter (6th), then an involuntary recovery with the left foot in front of his goalkeeper (36th). In short, the perfect hat-trick… but not on the good side. Overwhelmed, Meikayla Moore was immediately replaced, not without having been consoled by her teammates.
Ashley Hatch scored the fourth American goal in the 51st minute, and Mallory Pugh sealed the victory three minutes from time in this disputed meeting in Carson (California). Undefeated in 64 games in all competitions at home, the United States can still win the SheBelieves Cup. This will require beating Iceland in the third and final game on Tuesday.
Among the boys, a player achieved the same unfortunate performance. In 1982, Jorge Nino, of the Brazilian club Democrata, had experienced the same disappointment against Atlético Mineiro. His team lost 5-1.