Defending champions Australia became the first team to ensure passage into the semifinals of the hockey World Cup with a 5-0 hammering of England here on Saturday, giving them a maximum 12 points from four matches in Group A.
England, with seven points from four outings, are still in contention for the semifinals, but must win their last league fixture against Belgium, who are on nine points after a 5-2 victory over Spain.
India are in the fourth position with four points, followed by Spain on two and Malaysia on zero.
Australia had five different players scoring a goal each against England.
Making entries on the scoresheet were Matt Ghodes, who opened the account in the first minute, liam de Young, Jamie Dwyer, Kieran Govers and Aran Zalewski.
Belgium raced to a five-goal lead against Spain with goals being scored by Tanguy Cosyns (two), Alexandre de Saedeleer, Emmanuel Stockbroekx and John-John Dohmen.
As the Belgians relaxed a bit, Spain managed to salvage some pride through two late goals from Eduard Tubau and captain Santi Frexia.
Dutch avenge Oly loss
Earlier on late Friday, hosts The Netherlands beat Germany by a solitary goal to complicate the Olympic champions” chances of making it to the last four.
Dutch striker Jeroen Hertzberger capitalized on a pass from Billy Bakker in the 23rd minute to score the all-important goal as The Netherlands avenged their loss in the 2012 Olympic final to take the top spot in Group B, on Friday evening. Netherlands have maximum nine points from three successive wins, while Germany have just three points.