Zhang Rui scored a hat-trick as China routed Argentina 6-0 in the International Tournament of Brasilia on Sunday.

The result means China needs only a draw in their final preliminary match against hosts Brazil on Wednesday to reach the final of the four-team tournament.

Despite their dominance at the Mane Garrincha stadium, it took China almost an hour to find the target.

Wang Shuang was first to pierce Argentina's defence and Tang Jiali followed two minutes later.

Argentina captain Maria Florencia came closest to scoring for the Albiceleste when she sent a free-kick just over the bar.

But Gu Yasha made it 3-0 with 15 minutes remaining before Zhang netted three times in a 15-minute burst.

In Sunday's other match, Brazil came from behind to defeat the United States 3-2, thanks to a hat-trick from five-time world player of the year Marta.

Brazil leads the standings with 6 points, two ahead of China. The US are third with one point while Argentina have zero.

The top two teams will meet for the title on Dec. 21. The other two nations will play for third place.

The tournament is considered a warmup event for the World Cup in Canada next June and July. Endi

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