Madrid: Argentina claimed the bronze medal in the women's World Cup in Madrid when they trounced hosts Spain 5-0 in the third-fourth place playoff on Sunday.
The 2002 winners, who were beaten 3-1 by Netherlands in the semis, made a whirlwind start with Maria de la Paz Hernandez racking up a hat-trick inside the first 12 minutes and never looked back as they romped to an easy victory.
Despite the defeat it was still Spain's most successful World Cup, their previous best performances coming with fifth-place finishes in the 1976 and 1990 editions.
Five-times winners Netherlands, who won silver medals in the last two World Cups, will be trying to go one better when they meet Australia in the final later on Sunday.
Spain still looked to be suffering the after-effects of Friday's 1-0 golden goal defeat to Australia in the semi-final when they took to the field.
The South Americans took an early lead when keeper Maria Jesus Rosa fumbled a deflected shot from Hernandez after a free shot on the left with just two minutes on the clock.
Argentina doubled their lead soon after, Hernandez getting the final touch after Luciana Aymar had weaved her way into the "D" following a swift counter-attack.
Hernandez completed her hat-trick when she scooped the ball into the top of the net after pouncing on a rebound in the 12th minute.
Marine Russo added a fourth after the break and Alejandra Gulla completed the rout with a great finish when she turned and shot in high at the near post two minutes later.
Earlier England clinched seventh place with a 2-1 victory over Olympic champions Germany thanks to first half goals from Chloe Rogers and Rachel Walker.
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