The New Zealand women's hockey team have opened their World Cup campaign in the Netherlands with a 4-3 win over Belgium in The Hague.
New Zealand dominated the first 40 minutes of the game, leading 4-0 thanks to a first half double from Krystal Forgesson and goals from Anita Punt and Kayla Whitelock.
Belgium mounted a remarkable comeback in the second half with three unanswered goals, but the Black Sticks were able to regain composure and secure three valuable points for the win.
Head coach Mark Hager was pleased to come away with a win but says there is plenty to build on going into their next game.
The Black Sticks play Korea in their second Pool A game on Tuesday morning.
Meanwhile, the New Zealand men's team begin their World Cup campaign at 3:30am tomorrow morning with their opening Pool B match against Korea.
