The Dutch women became the first side to assure their place in the FIH World Cup semi-finals as they defeated India in a Pool E battle at the Wagener Stadium.

Penalty corner goals from Yibbi Jansen and Frédérique Matla in the first and third quarters saw the Dutch get the win, lifting them to six points in this second phase.

And, with China and Australia drawing in the day’s other group match, it means they are unreachable at the head of the table. The second place, then, is all to play for with China on two points and India and Australia on one – the latter two face each other in the final day of group action.

On the men’s side, Spain got right back into contention in Pool F as they defeated reigning champions Germany 2-1 with José Basterra’s narrow angle push from the baseline.

It saw them come back from a goal down and move up to three points, level with the Germans.

Belgium, meanwhile, drew with Australia to leave them needing a win over Spain on Sunday and hope for a favour from the other game to keep their title hopes alive.

They trailed at half-time to a Tom Craig goal before dominating the second half but only had a Tom Boon effort to show for their pressure. Indeed, they survived some last minute drama for the 1-1 result but remain in fourth place on one point; the Aussies are on four with Germany and Spain on three.

In the classification games, Ireland won a thriller against Malaysia 7-4 to take control of Pool H, after South Africa beat France 3-1. The Irish need a draw to secure a ninth place playoff when they meet the French.

On the women’s side, England bounced back from their top eight elimination as they came back from an early concession to beat Chile 4-1. A draw or better on Sunday against Japan will see them into the ninth place playoff.

** Pictures: Will Palmer/World Sport Pics