The Americans, gold medallists at London 2012 before clinching the world title in Kazan last year, annihilated winless South Africa 25-1 to finish the group stage of the tournament unbeaten.

They had already established a 13-0 lead by the halfway point, with the only blot on their performance coming in the last period when the South Africans scored a surprise consolation goal.

The United States had already guaranteed a place in the quarter-finals of the competition and will play the fourth-placed side from Group B in the last eight.

Canada’s 15-7 success over Japan yesterday had sent them through to the next round along with Spain, and the two clashed today in their final group match, which determined who would finish where in the group.

In a tightly contested match, Canada edged the first period 3-2 and extended their advantage to 5-3 at the end of the second.

Spain fought back valiantly, scoring four unanswered goals in the third quarter to move in front, before wrapping up a 10-6 success which saw them clinch third spot in the pool.

Greece, world champions in 2011, cemented second place behind the US by overcoming Japan, who were eliminated from the tournament along with South Africa yesterday, 12-8.

In Group B, France sealed the fourth and final spot in the quarter-finals as they beat Germany 9-5.

The Netherlands ensured they finished second by inflicting New Zealand's fifth straight defeat by virtue of a 9-6 scoreline.

Italy clinched third place in the group by overcoming Russia 9-6 in a tight encounter.

In the quarter-finals, the United States will go up against the French, while Spain take on The Netherlands.

Greece entertain Russia and Canada face Italy, with the four winners earning qualification for Rio 2016.