Pool action concluded at the Inline Hockey World Championships in Asiago ©©Roberta Strazzabosco and Max Pattis

Czech Republic overcame defending women's champions United States to top their pool at the Inline Hockey World Championships in Asiago today.

Both teams headed into the Pool A match at the Hodegart venue with two victories to their credit.

A strong performance from the Czech Republic saw them clinch a 5-1 victory to maintain their unbeaten record.

With the teams finishing first and second in their pool, both advanced to the quarter-final stage of the competition.

Hosts Italy finished third in the pool following a 2-2 draw with Argentina.

Spain topped the Pool B standings after a third straight win, with their latest success being a 5-1 triumph against Canada.

Canada still finished second in the pool to reach the quarter-finals, while New Zealand thrashed Australia 9-2 to come third.

United States saw their unbeaten record come to an end ©Roberta Strazzabosco and Max Pattis
United States saw their unbeaten record come to an end ©Roberta Strazzabosco and Max Pattis

The four quarter-finals will now have to wait to discover their opponents, as a second group stage is now set to take place, featuring the bottom two teams in Pools A and B, as well as countries from Pools C and D.

Finland will face Sweden in a playoff match, with the winner advancing to a match against Australia.

The winners of the match between Latvia and Switzerland will take on Argentina.

Czech Republic and Spain await the eventual winners of these playoff matches, while the United States and Canada are poised to play matches against Italy and New Zealand.

The senior men’s event is due to begin on July 22.

France will be looking to defend their title in that competition.