Reigning Olympic champions Germany, Argentina and The Netherlands have qualified for next year’s Rio Olympics by finishing in the top three of the men’s Hockey World League (HWL) Semi-Final in Buenos Aires.

Germany defeated hosts Argentina 4-1 in the final at the Centro Nacional de Alto Rendimiento Deportivo (CeNARD) yesterday to emerge as champions in the Argentina leg of the Hockey World League Semi-Final, while London Olympic silver medallists The Netherlands crushed Canada 6-0 to secure the third spot.

The results mean all three teams have also secured their spots in the HWL final to be held in India later this year.

Christopher Ruhr and Niklas Wellen earned a 2-0 lead for Germany before a penalty stroke from Argentina’s Juan Gilardi reduced the deficit. But late strikes from Ruhr and Florian Fuchs ensured a comfortable win for Germany.

Ruhr’s double strike made him the competition’s joint-top scorer alongside Spainish striker Pau Quemada with six goals, while 20-year-old Niklas Wellen was adjudged the tournament’s best young player.

It was also a good day for The Netherlands, who spanked lowly Canada 6-0 to claim the third spot.

Constantijn Jonker (2 goals), Billy Bakker, Mink van der Weerden, Robbert Kemperman and Robert van der Horst were the goal scorer for the Dutchmen.

Earlier in the day, Spain kept their Olympic hopes alive by defeating New Zealand 3-1 to claim the fifth place, while Korea ended a disappointing campaign on a positive note by finishing seventh thanks to a 1-0 win over Asian rivals Japan.