The opening game in Pool A was preceded by a minute’s silence in remembrance of those killed and injured in Thursday’s (August 17) terrorist attacks in Spain.

The Dutch men made Spain pay for early indiscipline as they established a 3-0 lead at half-time against under-strength opponents after Marc Perellon and Alvaro Iglesias had earned yellow cards in quick succession for similar fouls on the right baseline.

At 4-0 down, Spain pulled a goal back from Diego Arana, but the home side responded by scoring three more times.

The Netherlands men’s next fixture, on Monday, pits them against Belgium, who were 4-1 winners in the other Pool A game today.

Meanwhile the defending women’s champions, England, began their campaign with a 4-1 win over Ireland in Pool A.

England produced a composed performance to see off the Irish, building on an early goal from Laura Unsworth.

That was augmented by a 37th minute effort from Ellie Watton. 

Lena Tice pulled one back for Ireland, but England pulled away with efforts from Sophie Bray and Alex Danson.

Charlotte Stapenhorst inspired Germany to a 4-1 win in Pool B opening the scoring with just 26 seconds gone, adding their fourth goal and hitting the post for good measure. 

Pia Grambusch and Teresa Martin Pelegrina supplied the other goals before Fiona Burnet pulled one back late in the day.

In Women’s Pool A, Belgium’s women overpowed the Czech Republic 6-0.

Louise Versavel scored twice while there was also goals for Jill Boon, Stephanie van den Borre, Anne-Sophie Weyns and Michelle Struijk.