CANBERRA: Top-ranked Netherlands trounced Olympic champions Germany 8-1 in a classy performance at the women’s Champions’ Trophy field hockey tournament in Canberra on Sunday.

Dutch pressure forced the opening goal after just 39 seconds through Kim Lammers and they went on to trounce their European rivals with an emphatic display. The Netherlands scored again in the fourth minute from a great reverse stick shot from Ellen Hoog and powered away with goals from Janneke Schopman (43), Sylvia Karres (44), Miek Van Geenhuizen (48) and two from Sasha Fuchs (50, 66). Germany’s passing was always under pressure and they were constantly outpaced with the Dutch brilliant all over the field.

Australia are the only other unbeaten team after two rounds following a toughly-fought 2-0 win over Korea. The Koreans dominated the first half and were unlucky not be leading at the break. Australia recovered and went ahead when Karen Smith scored from a corner in the 43rd minute.

Goal-keeper Rachel Imison kept Australia in front as Korea attacked but Nikki Hudson picked up a loose pass and scored to give Australia a two-goal buffer.

Argentina beat China 3-0 thanks to goals from Maria Hernandez in the 14th minute, and Maria D’Elia and Alejandra Gulla in the second half.