Pakistan thrashed Japan by 3-1 in the finals of a qualifying tournament to ensure a berth in the next Hockey World Cup. Pakistan joined Australia, Canada, England, Germany, Korea, Netherlands, South Africa and Spain in clinching a spot in the mega-event to be played in India next year. Two more spots will go to the winner of the second qualifying event, currently underway in Invercargill, New Zealand. The third qualifying event will start next week in Quilmes, Argentina.