The 2015 winners reached the last-four of the competition with an unbeaten group stage record, but their luck finally ran out against a resurgent US team in the Hodegart Arena Asiago in Italy.

Two goals from Lyndsey Fry plus one each from Elisa Pogu and Laura Veharanta proved decisive as they claimed a 4-0 victory. 

The US, champions in 2013 and 2014, will now lock horns with North American rivals Canada in the final.

They beat France 3-0 in the earlier match.

Canadian goals were scored by Brayden Ferguson, Lindsay Gregg and Alyssa Baldin.

The final will take place tomorrow, while Switzerland will also face France for bronze.

Czech Republic beat Switzerland 3-1 in the junior men's semi-final, before South Korea edged-out India, 3-2.

Action in the senior men's and junior women's competitions are due to begin on Monday (June 20).