A 66th minute strike from Dylan Thomas gave New Zealand a 3-2 lead and one foot in the last eight, but Jan Lara Rosell netted two minutes from full-time to give Spain the draw they needed to progress.

The European nation will next go up against the side that finishes top of Pool D, a position currently held by host nation India.

Today’s other match in Pool C saw Germany make it three wins from as many matches and guarantee top spot courtesy of a convincing 6-1 triumph over Japan at the Major Dhyan Chand Hockey Stadium.

The reigning champions produced arguably their best performance of the competition with Constantin Staib opening the scoring and Anton Boeckel netting either side of half-time to make it 3-0.

Thies Ole Prinz, Timm Herzbruch and Lukas Windfeder completed Germany’s scoring before Japan's captain Ryo Ozawa grabbed a consolation.

"We were not so happy with our first two performances [against Spain and New Zealand], and this was our last test to get ourselves ready for the quarter-finals," said Boeckel, who sits at the top of the scorer’s table with four goals.

"We really wanted a better atmosphere on the pitch, and that is what we did today."

In the quarter-finals, Germany will meet the team that finishes second in Pool D - a position currently held by England.

There was also action today in Pool B with The Netherlands falling to a narrow 3-2 defeat at the hands of Belgium and Malaysia proving too strong for Egypt in a 2-0 win.

A fortuitous goal from Terrance Pieters gave The Netherlands the lead against Belgium three minutes after half-time, only for Thomas Verheijen to soon level the scores.

Quentin van Lierde showed lightening reflexes to move Belgium ahead with a fine close-range finish and although parity was restored thanks to Bram van Groesen’s penalty stroke, a deflected effort from Henri Raes in the closing stages settled the contest.

"It is always nice to beat the Dutch and it was a really important pool match," said Belgium's captain Victor Wegnez. 

"Maybe the last goal was a bit lucky as I think he (Raes) had his eyes closed, but I think we deserved it."

The result put Belgium top of Pool B, while Malaysia’s victory over Egypt moved them level on points with The Netherlands with one round of matches remaining.

Goals in each half from Mohamad Zulhamizan and Khaliq Hamirin gave the Malaysians all three points.

Action in Lucknow is due to continue tomorrow with the Pool A schedule featuring matches between Australia and Austria, and South Korea and Argentina.

Pool B sees The Netherlands face Egypt and Malaysia go up against Belgium, while South Africa and India meet in Pool D.