Guatemala edged past Mexico to reach the super round ©WBSC

Argentina, Czech Republic and Guatemala completed the super round line-up as group play ended at the World Baseball Softball Confederation Under-18 Men's Softball World Cup in New Zealand.

Three matches at Palmerston North's Colquhoun Park served as winner-takes-all affairs for a place in the next phase.

The Argentinians eased home in their do-or-die encounter in Group A, thrashing Canada 10-0.

It was a closer affair for the Czechs elsewhere in the group, but they got home against Singapore with a 6-3 success.

Both winning sides join group winners Australia in the next round.

The holders and five-time champions maintained their 100 per cent start to the tournament by thrashing already-eliminated South Africa 21-1.

This was the highest number of runs ever scored in a game at Palmerston North.

In Group B, Guatemala pipped Mexico 4-3 in their shoot-out for a super round place.

"We're here for the Guatemalan softball, we're here for the country," said Guatemalan head coach Julio Albizures.

"We've worked hard and these kids deserve to go to the super round.

"Now our goal is to finish in the top three."

Japan and hosts New Zealand were already through before the start of the day.

The Japanese won the group with a 100 per cent record as they eased past United States 10-0.

New Zealand finished second after their 13-4 win over Denmark.

Super round action will now begin tomorrow.

Each country will play the qualifiers from the other group, with results against teams from their group carrying over.

This means Australia and Japan will start with two victories to their name.

The top two teams at the end will go through to the final.