England (white) could seal a semi spot with a draw against Canada

The men crashed 5-1 to Olympic champions Australia, whose win sealed their place in the semi-finals.

England could still take the other semi-final spot with a draw against unfancied Canada, if Australia beat New Zealand in the final pool A match.

England's women lost 4-0 to New Zealand meaning they must overcome favourites Australia to make the final.

Scotland, who finished third in the group and failed to qualify, won their final group game 8-0 against Barbados (who conceded a total of 33 goals in their four group game defeats), Vikki Bunce scoring five goals in the second half.

New Zealand's route to the final is now considerably easier. They will meet India, who finished second in group A after beating Malaysia 6-1.

KNOCKOUT GAMES Women's semi-finals Australia v England New Zealand v India Men's semi-finals Australia v Pakistan/Malaysia/South Africa/India England/New Zealand v Pakistan/Malaysia/South Africa/India

"We've got to play the Aussies at some point so it might as well be in the semi-finals," said England captain Kate Walsh.

"We wouldn't be an England team if we didn't make things hard for ourselves."

Men's semi-finals

The scramble for semi-final spots in the men's competition group B turned serious as Malaysia stunned South Africa 2-1 and Pakistan outplayed Trinidad 7-1 in Tuesday's other matches.

Malaysia and Pakistan now meet on Wednesday knowing a draw will see both of them through - though the winner will avoid a clash against Olympic champions Australia who are assured of finishing top of group A.

South Africa and India, who also play each other on Wednesday, have a chance of making the group B semi-finals - but only if Pakistan-Malaysia match produces a winner.

Australia's win over England was their third straight win in group A of the men's tournament and made them the first team in the 10-nation competition to qualify for the knockout stage.

Hockey skills: Dribbling

They have won both their previous games against New Zealand and Scotland, who have finished their group games and can no longer qualify.