SHANGHAI, China (AP):

BRAZIL'S MEN have won the World Cup five times.

Now Brazil's women look like they can win their first, establishing themselves among the favourites by thrashing China 4-0 in Group D yesterday in Wuhan with two goals each from Marta and Cristiane.

Marta is now the tournament's top scorer with four.

The victory makes Brazil an overwhelming favourite to win Group D, which is likely to give the South Americans a clear path to the semi-finals.

China coach Marika Domanski-Lyfors seemed convinced of Brazil's chances, calling the South Americans "the best team in the world" during a post-game news conference.

"If before we thought we should beat Brazil, yeah, that was a dream of course," she said.

"It's not only Marta on Brazil, they have many 'small Martas' too," she added. "They have good qualities, every player."

In the other Group D game, Denmark stayed alive with a 2-0 victory over New Zealand on goals by Katrine Pedersen and Cathrine Paaske Sorensen. Denmark and China each have three points in Group D. Denmark finish with Brazil and China have an easier match with New Zealand, making the hosts likely to reach the final eight.

In Group C in Hangzhou, Australia and Norway drew 1-1, giving them each four points and positioning them as leading contenders for quarter-final berths. Lisa De Vanna scored in the 83rd to rally Australia after Norway took the lead early on Ragnhild Gulbrandsen fifth-minute goal.

Canada pushed their claims for a quarter-final berth and eliminated Ghana with a 4-0 win as captain Christine Sinclair scored two and broke Canada's women's World Cup scoring record.

Canada have three points and meet Australia in a decisive group final. Norway face Ghana.