The Netherlands ended the unbeaten run of hosts Spain in the Women's World Cup field hockey tournament on Sunday with a 2-0 win which puts them top of their Pool A tie.
The more experienced Dutch opened after six minutes through Eefke Mulder to take control of the game with superior skills.
Esther Termans and Racquel Hertas were outstanding for Spain but the Dutch engine of Fatima De Melo, Minke Smabers and Minke Booij controlled midfield.
The Netherlands sealed victory with an early second half goal to Naomi Van As who continues to show real class in attacking build up and finishing.
Spain kept trying to the end but the Netherlands delivered a hockey lesson all over the pitch with four corners to nil for Spain.
Dutch coach Marc Lammers said, "This was a difficult game for us as Spain defends strongly. The key to the match was the first goal and from then on the match was won with patience and no mistakes."
Spanish captain Sylvia Munoz remains positive about her team's chances
{{/usCountry}}Spanish captain Sylvia Munoz remains positive about her team's chances
{{/usCountry}}"Our nerves betrayed us. We overcame those in the second half but by then it was too late," she explained.
"We're looking ahead to India and England. We're all young teams and we think we can still make the semi-finals and win."