Britain, who drew their opening match with Argentina, began brightly against the toughest of opposition, with Lily Owsley striking the bar in the first quarter.

But the class of their world number one ranked opponents gradually told.

Lidewij Welten broke the deadlock from a penalty corner after 17 minutes before captain Maartje Paumen opened clear daylight in the 53rd, also from a penalty corner.

Both goalkeepers in Maddie Hinch and FIH Hockey Stars Goalkeeper of the Year Joyce Sombroek made a string of outstanding saves in a high-quality affair.

"GB is a very strong team, their defence is great and they are very good at counter-attacking," said Dutch player Eva de Goede afterwards.

"Our strongest point is our combination hockey - that was the difference today.

"It was important for us that we ended this game differently to how we ended the Euros here [in 2015]."

Argentina secured their first win of the competition in today's opening match with a 4-1 victory over Pan American rivals United States.

Captain Carla Rebecchi led the way with a hat-rick, but a spectacular reverse shot from Maria Granatto proved the goal of the match.

It proved perfect revenge following their loss to the US in last year's Pan American Games. 

A rest day is scheduled tomorrow before the third-round of matches on Tuesday (June 21).