Despite the defeat, the South American outfit will join the European team in the Hockey World League (HWL) semi-finals, which forms part of the qualification process for the eagerly-anticipated Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro next year.

Host nation Brazil qualify automatically, and they will be joined by the five continental champions plus the top ranked sides who perform best at the HWL finals.

The Italians produced an excellent display in which Giuliana Ruggieri, Marcela Casale Lhez, Agata Wybieralska and team captain Chiara Tiddi all found the net in front of a packed stadium in the Uruguayan capital.

Italy, who went into the tournament as the top-ranked side, also enjoyed success on an individual level at the event, with captain Chiddi given the player of the tournament award.

Uruguay's 18-year-old star Constanza Barrandeguy was given the young player of the tournament gong, while Mexican shot-stopper Jesus Castillo was named goalkeeper of the tournament.

Uruguay enjoyed a strong tournament but were found wanting in the final match ©FIH/Danielo Scalese



Azerbaijan, meanwhile, finished the competition on a high as they claimed third after they recovered from a goal down to beat Mexico 5-2 thanks to a hat-trick from Anastasiya Tsyganska.

France, who are ranked 24th in the world, were fifth after they thrashed Trinidad and Tobago 6-1, and seventh went to the Dominican Republic as they earned a narrow 2-1 win over Kenya, who are ranked 15 places higher.

The round continues from March 7 to 15 in New Delhi, India.

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