A 3-2 victory for the Americans against South Korea was enough to secure second spot in Pool A behind the Dutch, while Spain and Belgium advanced from Pool D.

The US and South Korea met knowing that the winner was guaranteed a place in the last eight.

The Koreans took the lead after just two minutes when Seoyeong Kim scored from open play.

While the Asian team looked strong in the early stages, the US drew level after 18 minutes through Margaux Paolino.

Erin Matson then edged the Americans ahead in the 33rd minute before Lauren Moyer scored in the 58th to give them control.

South Korea failed to give up, however, and brought the score back to 3-2 through captain Hyejin Cho.

They could not add another meaning the Americans prevailed and secured their place in the next round of the competition.

"Korea were very good with a flat defence, that was something that we struggled with a little bit," said Julianna Tornetta of the US.

"We couldn’t get wide enough. 

"They are a really good team - we struggled with their aerials too - they were incredible." 

In the other match in Pool A today The Netherlands, who had already qualified, went into their game against Zimbabwe knowing that a win would guarantee them top spot.

The defending champions were in emphatic form as they went on to record the biggest victory of the event so far, winning 13-0 which included five goals for Frederique Matla.

A thrilling conclusion was expected in Pool D as all four teams were still in with a chance of qualifying for the next round.

Belgium squared off against China with both teams knowing a win would secure qualification, with a point also enough for the Belgians. 

The European team went 1-0 down as Qiu Guo scored for China from a penalty corner after only three minutes.

After the break China doubled their lead, again after a penalty corner, which was this time converted by Mengling Zhong.

Belgium did not give up and Marie Ronquetti scored with only two minutes left to play before Stephanie Vanden Borre's goal with the last hit of the ball levelled the score from a penalty corner.

Following the draw Belgium were forced to wait for the result of the New Zealand and Spain match to find out their fate, with the Chinese knocked out.

New Zealand needed to win to be in with a chance of reaching the quarter-finals but didn’t help their chances when they let Spain’s Lucia Jimenez score after only five minutes.

The Kiwis had opportunities to level but Jimenez doubled Spain's lead seconds before half-time following another mistake at the back.

Spain continued to dominate in the second half, with goals from Lara Panpin and another from Marta Segu leaving the final score 4-0 and guaranteeing them top spot with Belgium second.

Matches in both Pool B and C will complete the opening stage of the competition tomorrow.