Last four at Hockey World League semi-final confirmed ahead of crucial Rio 2016 qualifier

Reigning world champions Australia were one of four teams to book their spot in the semi-finals at the Hockey World League semi-final event in Antwerp ©FIH

Reigning world champions Australia, Great Britain, India and Belgium all secured their spots in the last four of the Hockey World League semi-final event with quarter-final victories in Antwerp.

Due to the fact that India have already booked a place at the Olympic Games in Rio next year by virtue of winning gold at the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, all three sides have guaranteed themselves an Olympic berth.

By virtue of reaching the last eight, all four teams have ensured they will be competing at the Hockey World League Final, which will take place in India.

If India finish in the top three in Antwerp, the highest ranked fourth-place team from both semi-final events will also clinch a Rio 2016 spot.

Olympic bronze medallists Australia made light work of their quarter-final clash with Ireland as goals from Matt Gohdes, Jamie Dwyer, Simon Orchard and youngster Blake Govers gave them a comfortable 4-1 win.

After a tense opening, Gohdes was able to rifle home a penalty corner in the second period before Dwyer rounded off an excellent Australian move with a clever finish.

Orchard and Govers then sealed their progression with strikes in the final quarter and Ireland finally managed to get themselves on the scoreboard as Shane O’Donoghue netted a late consolation.

Alastair Brogdon's close-range finish helped Great Britain secure a tense 2-1 victory over Pakistan in their quarter-final — Alastair Brogdon's close-range finish helped Great Britain secure a tense 2-1 victory over Pakistan in their World League quarter-final in Antwerp and move a step closer to qualifying for Rio 2016 ©FIH

Elsewhere, Great Britain also moved a step closer to Rio 2016 qualification as they earned a narrow 2-1 success over Pakistan.

Chris Griffiths’ thunderous effort gave Britain the lead and they extended their advantage before the end of the opening quarter thanks to Alastair Brogdon turning Ashley Jackson’s pinpoint cross beyond the Pakistan goalkeeper from close range.

Pakistan halved the deficit through Umar Bhutta to make for a nervy ending but the British team were able to see out the victory to book a meeting with Australia in the semi-finals.

The other two last eight contests also proved to be tight affairs as a double from India's Jasjit Singh Kular helped his side overhaul a 2-1 deficit and claim a vital 3-2 victory against Malaysia.

Belgium, ranked at number four in the world, were then made to work hard for their last four place as they overcame a resilient French team with a tense 5-4 win.

They are now due to face India in the next round and both semi-final matches are scheduled to take place on Friday (July 3).