Rio Olympics 2016 Hockey: It's Argentina vs Germany, Belgium vs Netherlands in Men's Semis

That India were in the Group of Death in the Rio Olympics 2016 men's hockey competition is now eloquently clear. Three of the four semifinalists are from Pool B, the group that featured alongside defending Olympic champions, Germany.

Belgium, who outclassed India 3-1 after a goal down in the quarterfinals on Sunday, are the only team from Pool A to enter the semifinals. The Belgians lost just one match going into the knockout rounds and had the best goal-difference of +16 after scoring 21 goals in the group stage.

Argentina, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany have all sealed their respective places in the semi-finals following a highly dramatic day on Sunday at the Deodoro Hockey Centre.

Argentina's battled their way past Spain 2-1 to set up a battle with reigning Olympic champions Germany, who produced a staggering fight-back from 2-0 down to defeat New Zealand 3-2.

Netherlands brushed aside world champions Australia 4-0 in the quarters.

© AFP

Belgium's Red Lions, who overcame the challenge of Asian champions India to reach the semis, now face a meeting with European champions Netherlands, who dismantled reigning world champions Australia with a stunning 4-0 score-line.

Eight times Olympic gold medallists India made a strong start to the match and took the lead courtesy of Akashdeep Singh's 15th minute tip-in, but the match was turned on its head in the third quarter thanks to a brilliant double strike from Belgian star Sebastien Dockier.

Tom Boon smashed home a third early in the fourth quarter and it proved to be the killer blow, ending India's hopes of Olympic glory at Rio 2016.

The semis will take place on Tuesday with Argentina playing Germany, followed by the Belgium versus Netherlands match.