The Netherlands women moved within touching difference of the semi-finals as they produced a composed 2-0 win over Belgium to make it two wins from two in Mönchengladbach.

It was a tough battle against the improving Red Panthers who put in a strong performance but the Oranje had the incisive moments to make the difference.

World Player of the Year Felice Albers got the first goal with a super shot on the turn having initially had her back to goal, picking out the bottom left corner.

Aisling D’Hooghe made a number of strong saves to keep her side in the contest until the result was finally settled with four minutes to go by a Frédérique Matla drag-flick.

Xan de Waard: “We knew we would have to be patient; it wasn’t going to be 5-0. I think we were quite dominant so it was harsh game in terms of goals but I think we had it under control.

“To play for the Dutch national team, you have to be very disciplined and everyone has that asset.”

Asked if she is tired after her all-action performance, she laughed: “I am a little tired, especially when we play back to back, but we have the best physios in the world and I will be ready against Italy!”

Women’s Pool B: Netherlands 2 (F Albers, F Matla) Belgium 0