The Belgian men’s team’s success in Pool A against the host nation at the Wagener Stadium in Amsterdam came with their counter-attacking tactics, which caught the Dutch out today.

By half-time, they had moved 3-0 up thanks to two goals from Sebastian Dockier before Thomas Briels found the net as well.

Belgium, who were beaten by Argentina in the gold medal match at last year’s Olympics, did not let off after the break and added another couple of scores through Loick Luypaert after a penalty corner and a 56^th minute strike from Tom Boon.

Elsewhere in Pool A, Spain and Austria were evenly matched as they drew 2-2.

After a scoreless first half, proceedings picked up in the second with Michael Körper providing a great finish with an equaliser coming after a penalty corner with 20 seconds to go.

He had given the Austrians a 35^th minute lead before Alvaro Iglesias and Josep Romeu put the Spanish ahead.

There was also an entertaining game in Pool B as Germany recorded a 4-3 win over England.

Mats Grambusch put the Germans in front early on before Niklas Wellen doubled the advantage.

England fought back and by the 40^th minute had taken the lead through goals from Mark Gleghorne, Phil Roper and Adam Dixon.

However, Lukas Windfeder converted a penalty corner to level matters and this was followed up by Anton Boeckel finding a winner.

Today’s other Pool B clash saw Ireland defeat Poland 7-1.