Their team had been comprehensively beaten by the United States on the opening day of the tournament but began their tie against Japan impressively, moving into a 5-1 half-time lead.

After Marina Canetti extended her team’s advantage at the start of the third period, Japan began to claw their way back into the contest as Akari Inaba was able to complete a hat-trick, while Kotori Suzuki scored a brace.

Japan failed to overturn the deficit and fell to their second consecutive defeat, Brazil securing a 10-7 victory.

“The Japanese didn’t stop, they fought and fought and fought,” said Pat Oaten, Brazil’s head coach.

“You have to give all the credit to them.

“My team, if they continue to play like this, we’re going to have trouble.”

Australia had no trouble in brushing aside the challenge of Canada after both teams entered the match with the ambition of sealing their second win.

it was clear, however, the Australians were a level above their opponents after they moved into a 6-2 lead after the first two quarters had been played.

Impressive goalkeeping from Kelsey Wakefield prevented the Canadians from sensing a comeback, with Australia adding a further five goals, without reply, sealing an 11-2 triumph.

The host country were also comfortable victors, with Maggie Steffens, Kiley Neushul and Makenzie Fischer scoring hat-tricks for the American team to help them secure a 19-5 win over China.

China remain winless but are playing without the pressure of having to qualify for the Super Final, as they are hosting the June tournament, which is being held in Shanghai.

They will be joined by the top four countries from the Intercontinental Tournament, with the US and Australia looking likely to seal berths after their impressive starts.