The Hockey World Cup champions proved untroubled by Scotland at the Stade Fallon, easing to a 4-0 victory.

Frederique Matla, Laurien Leurink, Lauren Stam and Kitty van Male were among the scorers as the Olympic silver medallists raced to victory.

They occupy first place in Pool A, with Italy and China unable to be separated at the conclusion of their match.

China would take the lead on two occasions in the contest, but Italy forced their way back to secure a 2-2 draw.

South Korea, the fifth team in the pool, will play their first match tomorrow.

Pool B began with a convincing win for Australia, as their team swept aside Malaysia by a 3-0 scoreline.

A closely fought match between Spain and New Zealand ended with a victory for the latter, who edged a narrow tie 1-0.

Hosts Belgium are due to meet Australia in their first match tomorrow.

The first of the men’s Hockey World League Semi-Finals will continue tomorrow, with China taking on Pool B winners The Netherlands.

Malaysia take on India elsewhere in the last eight, while Pakistan face Olympic champions Argentina and hosts England clash with Canada.