Alidou's hat trick headlines 7-goal thumping as Canadian women top Taiwan to win Pinatar Cup

Canada coach Casey Stoney leaves the Pinatar Cup with a trophy in hand and a better idea of the talent at hand.

"I think there's been some questions answered — in both ways," Stoney said.

Marie-Yasmine (Mimi) Alidou put up her hand with a hat trick Tuesday as sixth-ranked Canada won the four-team women's soccer tournament with a dominant 7-0 victory over No. 42 Taiwan.

Alidou, who plays her club football in Portugal for Benfica, needed just 32 minutes to complete her hat trick at the Pinatar Arena. The 29-year-old from Saint-Hubert, Que., now has five goals in eight appearances for Canada.

It was one-way traffic for the Canadians, who had 70 per cent possession and outshot Taiwan 19-2 (11-0 in shots on target) with an 8-0 edge in corners.

"It was about keeping professional standards against a team we knew we were expected to beat. I'm disappointed we didn't score more goals, if I'm honest," said Stoney. "We could have had a little bit more intensity in the second half in terms of our attacking play but we made changes at halftime. That's going to make a difference."

WATCH l Alidou's hat trick powers Canada to Pinatar Cup win:

Mimi Alidou scores a 1st-half hat trick as Canada claims the Pinatar Cup

Canada drew No. 17 China 1-1 and blanked No. 31 Mexico 2-0 earlier in the tournament. Taiwan lost all three games, outscored 15-0.

With Mexico (2-1-0) posting a 2-0 win over China (1-1-1) earlier in the day at the Pinatar Arena, the Canadians needed a win to lift the trophy.

Alidou, defender Gabby Carle and midfielder Emma Regan leave Spain with their reputations enhanced. And 20-year-old attacker Olivia Smith continues to impress.

Stoney said she wanted to see her entire roster in action at the tournament and was true to