Australia and Netherlands recorded victories in their women’s hockey world cup matches at Netherlands’ capital The Hague on Thursday.
Australia edged past Belgium 3-2 in a nail-biting encounter.
Anna Flanagan put the Australians ahead after scoring in the first half but Belgian Stephanie De Groof equalized the match for her side just before half time.
Jodie Kenny again took the lead for the Australians after netting the ball in the goal three minutes into the second half but Jill Boon of Belgium leveled the score line in the 42nd minute.
Boon scored her second and sealed the victory for the Australians in the 54th minute.
Meanwhile New Zealand were beaten 0-2 by Netherlands.
