Goals galore for the men from Germany, Great Britain and Belgium and for Ireland and Belgium’s women saw a wide range of European sides bolster their early bids for Olympic qualification.

In Oman, Germany began the competition with a comfortable 9-0 win over Canada. In Martin Zwicker’s 300th appearance the world number 5 ranked side had too much for Canada, scoring freely throughout the quarters with little resistance.

Gonzalo Peillat got them up and running within a couple of minutes before two goals each from Christopher Rühr and Raphael Hartkopf saw them ease home.

In their group, New Zealand got their campaign underway with 3 points against Chile with a 3-1 result.

Great Britain lead the way in Pool A as they rounded out the day’s action from Oman with a professional display with 6 goals against a youthful Pakistan. In a relentless performance, Sam Ward led the way with a couple of goals.

China defeated Malaysia 3-2 in the group’s other game with Gao Jiesheng scoring the decisive corner.

In Valencia, Belgium’s men became the first side confirmed in the semi-finals thanks to a 4-2 win over Ireland with Thibeau Stockbroekx credited with two goals.

Ireland, though, remain in second in the group and a draw or better against Japan will see them advance to the final four from which three teams will earn a ticket to Paris.

On the women’s side, Belgium’s women went goal crazy to defeat Korea 10-1 with Ambre Ballenghien getting four of them.

It lifted them above Ireland – who they drew with on Saturday – on goal difference despite the Green Army’s 8-0 win over Ukraine.

Ukraine are eliminated as a result no matter how they do against Belgium; for Ireland, they need a draw or better against Korea on Tuesday.

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