Defending champions the Netherlands continue their campaign into the final eight of the tournament ©Getty Images

The Netherlands and Australia ensured they would advance to the quarter-finals of the Women's International Hockey Federation (FIH) Hockey World Cup, following wins to put them top of their respective groups.

Acting as co-hosts and defending champions, the Dutch ensured they won Pool A with a 3-1 victory over Chile at the Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen.

Lidewij Welten opened the scoring for the favourites just before the end of the first period, but Francisca Tala got an equaliser before half-time.

The second half was all about the co-hosts with goals from Yibbi Jansen and Eva de Goede putting distance between the two teams.

Chile have to settle for a cross-overs position along with second-placed Germany who eliminated Ireland today by a 3-0 scoreline.

Nike Lorenz gave them the lead in the 24th minute, with Charlotte Stapenhorst getting the second soon after half-time.

Sonja Zimmerman sealed the victory three minutes from time.

Australia finished first in Pool D ahead of the quarter-finals with a win over South Africa ©Getty Images
Australia finished first in Pool D ahead of the quarter-finals with a win over South Africa ©Getty Images

Australia finished top of Pool D by beating South Africa 2-1 in Terrassa.

Penny Squibb opened the scoring after eight minutes, but Lilian du Plessis got the equaliser before the end of the first period.

Ambrosia Malone put Australia back in front after 24 minutes, with what proved to be the winning goal.

Stéphanie Vanden Borre got a double for Belgium to defeat Japan 3-0, eliminating their opponents in the process.

Four minutes after Vanden Borre's second, Ambre Ballenghien got the third in the 44th minute.