The fourth and final qualification tournament for the World Baseball Classic began in Brookyn, New York today ©WBC

The fourth and final qualification tournament for next year's World Baseball Classic (WBC) began at MCU Park in Brookyn in New York City today with both Israel and Brazil picking up victories.

Only one team will advance from the qualifying pool and will go on to Seoul in South Korea, in 2017.

Brazil secured an expected win over Pakistan as action began at the home of the New York Mets' Class A affiliate Brooklyn Cyclones on Coney Island.

The favoured Brazilian team eased to a seven-inning 10-0 victory against a Pakistan side making their debut at this event.

Brazil's offensive display was very much a team effort as eight of the nine starters successfully recorded hits.

The South Americans were unable to show their superiority early on, however, and it took them until the third inning to get themselves on the scoreboard.

Once they did though, there was no stopping them as they posted three runs in the third, one in the fourth and two in the fifth before completing the rout with a further four in the seventh.

The game ended according to the rules in the seventh when Brazil opened up a 10-run lead. 

"In the first game of the tournament, I think it's always about managing the anxiety, the jitters," said Brazil manager Barry Larkin.

"I certainly think we can play a cleaner ball game but I'm happy with the results."

The Brazilian team eased to a seven-inning 10-0 win over Pakistan ©WBC
The Brazilian team eased to a seven-inning 10-0 win over Pakistan ©WBC

After narrowly missing out on qualification for the WBC four years ago, Israel's attempt to qualify for the 2017 edition began brightly.

They defeated Great Britain 5-2 on the opening night of action.

The match proved to be extremely tight for long periods as the score was locked at 1-1 with three innings to go.

Israel, however, scored an impressive four runs in the seventh to take the game away from their opponents.

That win earned Israel a spot in the winner's bracket game against Brazil tomorrow, while Britain will play Pakistan in the elimination game.

The winner of the elimination game will then play the loser of the bracket game, with the two remaining teams then playing for a place at the WBC.

In February, Australia won a qualifying tournament in Sydney to reach the finals whilst defending champions Dominican Republic and the 2013 runners-up Puerto Rico will also be competing.

Also qualified are Japan, Chinese Taipei, South Korea, China, The Netherlands, Italy, Cuba, United States, Venezuela and Canada.

Japan, Mexico and the US will also host pools, as well as South Korea.