The trio of nations joined The Netherlands, Argentina, the United States, Spain and Belgium in the last eight.

Germany secured second place in Pool B after they overcame Japan, while a draw with South Africa was enough for England to take second place in Pool C as Australia defeated hosts Chile to finish top.

The Germans needed just a draw against Japan to secure qualification but they went one better as they swept aside their Asian opponents.

Victoria Huse converted from a penalty corner after 26 minutes before Teresa Pelegrina Martin doubled their lead in the 34th minute from open play thanks to some exquisite skill.

Japan were at times the better team but Germany’s resilience paid off as they held on to win 2-0. 

"It was a very tough game against Japan," said Martin.

"They played very well, we had to defend very hard."

Argentina finished top of the Pool as they defeated France.

The South Americans eventually broke the deadlock two minutes into the second half through Eugenia Trinchinetti.

The Pan American champions then went on to score eight goals in total, including a hat-trick for Julieta Jankunas, with France unable to find a consolation as they finished bottom.

In Pool C South Africa and England opened the day in in a six goal thriller. 

England dominated the early proceedings, with Holly Hunt and Holly Munro giving them a 2-0 lead.

South Africa captain Natalie Esteves then scored seconds before the end of the half from a penalty corner.

England restored their two goal advantage as Megan Crowson converted a penalty stroke after 41 minutes, but South Africa fought back again.

Two goals from Donna Small brought the African champions back level and gave England a nervous few moments in the closing stages.

England held on for the draw, however, giving them a crucial point which secured their qualification to the next round.

In the final match of the day Australia also needed a point to secure qualification while their opponents, hosts Chile, needed a win to remain in the tournament.

A raucous local crowd turned out in force once again but the hosts suffered the worst possible start as Australia’s Renee Taylor scored her second goal of the tournament from a penalty corner after only six minutes.

Buoyed by the atmosphere in the stands, Chile continued to attack and their efforts paid off when captain Denise Krimerman equalised in the 22nd minute from a penalty corner.

Australia always looked more dangerous in attack and after 55 minutes their captain, Mariah Williams, scored the decisive goal after a goal-mouth scramble to hand them a 2-1 win.

"That was a really intense game tonight - the Chilean fans are brilliant," said Australia’s Williams.

"But going into the quarter-finals we have to start well from the beginning, that’s how we will improve on our performances so far."

Following a rest day tomorrow, the quarter-finals take will centre stage on Wednesday (November 30).

Defending champions The Netherlands will take on Germany in the opening game which will be followed by Spain against England.

Argentina then square off against the United States while Australia play Belgium for a place in the semi-finals.