Dominant Dutch power past Germany in FIH Women's World League Final opener

Dutch players celebrate after their ruthless 5-1 win over Germany ©FIH

World and Olympic champions The Netherlands produced a ruthless exhibition of top quality hockey today as the Women's World League final opened in Rosario, sweeping aside Germany 5-1.

New Zealand, Australia and hosts Argentina all also enjoyed victories on the tournament's opening day.

With the defending champions including several new players in their squad, there was some thought that they were using this event as a means to test new talent ahead of Rio 2016.

Any fears that this may hinder their chances, though, were dispelled following a superb performance.

After a cagey opening, the encounter burst into life with two fine strikes.

First, Maartje Korekelaar put the Dutch ahead after some fine interplay in the build-up before Lydia Haase drew the Germans level with a sharp finish.

Lidewij Welten restored the Dutch advantage with a reverse stick shot under the outstretched foot of Kristina Reynolds before the favourites pressed ahead in the second half.

Kitty van Male effectively put the game out of Germany's reach with a well-taken tap-in in the 38th minute before Ellen Hoog and Eva de Goede added further strikes, with de Goede celebrating her 150th cap in perfect style.

New Zealand beat South Korea 3-1 in the other Pool A clash today ©FIH

New Zealand were not as clinical in the other Pool A match, but were similarly successful in a 3-1 victory over South Korea.

They moved ahead in the fourth minute when Pippa Hayward took the ball at the top of circle and smashed it past Jang Soo Ji.

Both sides had chances but it was not until after half-time that the next goal came, with Kirsten-Leigh Pearce doubling the New Zealand advantage.

Ella Gunson set-up a third for Gemma Flynn before a late consolation strike from Seo Jung Eun.

Georgina Morgan scored the only goal of the game as Australia saw off China in Pool B, while hosts Argentina overcame Olympic bronze medallists Britain 2-1 in the day's final match.

In a tough, feisty encounter, Britain's Susannah Townsend opened the scoring in the fifth minute, only for that lead to be quickly wiped out when Maria Granatto equalised for Argentina in the 15th.

The winning goal came from Agustina Habif, who batted in a rebound off Maddie Hinch's stick.