Poland and Belgium won close-fought games to bounce back from the disappointment of missing the semi-finals to begin the Pool C ranking battle on the front foot.

For the Poles, a brilliant Robert Pawlak backhand shot – following a Jacek Kurowski assist – with seven minutes to go was all that separated them from Austria in a 1-0 result.

For Belgium, stunning goals from Thibeau Stockbroekx and Tom Boon goals saw Belgium bounce back from their group stage setback to beat England 2-1.

Stockbroekx opened the scoring with a glorious backhand shot only for Sam Ward to extend his goalscoring record when he got the credit for the ball bouncing in off Tom Boon from his pull-back.

Boon, though, had the final say with a corner drag-flick in the second half for the game defining goal.

The Red Lions move up to six points ahead of a final game against the Poles – on three points – on Saturday while England, also on three, meet Austria who have yet to register.