The Netherlands men’s hockey team has qualified for the semi-finals of the European championships with a 4-2 win over Belgium in their crucial group stage clash.

The Dutch took the lead in the first quarter in Mönchengladbach when Terrance Pieters tapped in a rebound from a penalty corner.

Belgium equalised at the start of the second quarter as Nelson Onana finished off a move down the right-hand side, but Jip Janssen restored the lead from the penalty spot after Floris Middendorp was brought down, in what looked to be a harsh decision.

The Belgians levelled again through Guillaume Hellin, but a goal from a tight angle from Pieters and a second penalty by Janssen broke the southern neighbours’ resistance.

The Dutch, who won their opening game against Spain 3-0, face Austria in their final group stage match knowing they have already secured one of the two qualifying places.

Extra gear

Pieters said the team was happy to have won, but acknowledged they would have to find an extra gear for the knock-out stages.

“We didn’t start very brightly, but we managed to find the strength to hurt Belgium,” he said. “But against other top teams we’ll have to guard against the moments when we weren’t so strong today.”

The women’s team are playing host nation Germany on Monday evening after opening their campaign with a 2-0 win against Ireland.

The Dutch were clearly the stronger team, winning eight penalty corners, but struggled to break down the Irish defence after taking an early lead through Joosje Burg.

Yibbi Jansen provided the second from a short corner in the third quarter, while the Irish were only denied by a goal-line clearance from Katie Mullan’s shot.

Team coach Raoul Ehren said: “We can bring out all the clichés about opening matches not being the best games. But Ireland are a good and competitive team who give you very little space.”