Argentina moved a step closer to defending their men’s Pan American Hockey Cup title by securing a place in the semi-finals ©PAHF/Twitter

Olympic champions Argentina moved a step closer to the defence of their men’s Pan American Hockey Cup title by securing a place in the semi-finals with a comfortable victory over Venezuela in Lancaster in Pennsylvania today.

The Argentines triumphed 12-0 at the Spooky Nook Sports Complex to seal an unbeaten campaign in Pool A.

Agustin Mazzilli top scored with three goals, followed by Maico Casella and Marc Ganly with two each.

Gonzalo Peillat, Joaquin Menini, Matias Paredes, Pedro Ibarra and Santiago Tarazona all chipped in with one apiece.

Argentina have scored 27 goals and conceded just two in their three victories.

Awaiting them in the semi-finals are Trinidad and Tobago, who ensured second spot in Pool B with a 2-1 win over Brazil.

The other last-four encounter pits hosts the United States against Canada with the former finishing second in Pool A and the latter winning Pool B.

Canada beat Mexico 6-0 today, while the US defeated Chile 3-1.

Trinidad and Tobago ensured second spot in Pool B after beating Brazil 2-1 ©PAHF/Twitter
Trinidad and Tobago ensured second spot in Pool B after beating Brazil 2-1 ©PAHF/Twitter

The semi-finals are scheduled to be played on Thursday (August 10).

The fifth-to-eighth-place play-off matches will see Chile face Mexico and Brazil go up against Venezuela on Friday (August 11).

The winner of the tournament will qualify for the 2018 Hockey World Cup in Indian city Bhubaneswar.

Tomorrow will see the women's event resume with the third round of pool stage play.