World champions Germany secured the final spot in this year's Beijing Olympics men's hockey tournament after overpowering Japan 4-0 on Sunday.

The world's top-ranked side won all six of their matches in the final Olympic qualifying tournament in Gifu, scoring 34 goals without conceding one.

"Obviously I feel a great sense of relief," Germany coach Markus Weise said. "I'm already happy that I won't have to answer all those 'What-could-have-been' questions if we didn't qualify."

Christopher Zeller scored twice for the Germans, who had defeated qualifying hosts Japan by the same scoreline in midweek.

Germany, who won gold at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, also racked up an 8-0 victory over Italy and pummelled Switzerland 10-0.

They join hosts China, Britain, Pakistan, South Africa, Canada, the Netherlands, Spain, Belgium, Australia, New Zealand and South Korea in the 12-team Olympic tournament in August.

Japan, who were bidding to reach their first Olympic tournament since the 1968 Mexico Games, had their chances in the final but were guilty of poor finishing, in contrast to the clinical Germans.

Florian Keller smashed in Germany's opening goal after 15 minutes before Zeller doubled their lead moments into the second half.

Zeller added another goal in the 47th minute and Sebastian Draguhn completed a comfortable victory for Germany with a smart finish two minutes from time.

"We've really earned our ticket to the Olympics now," said striker Moritz Fuerste. "We will be going to Beijing riding a stronger tailwind than if we had qualified six months ago as third in the European championship."

Reuters