Strikers Sylvia Karres and Kim Lammers both scored hattricks each as the Dutch with 12 points remain undefeated after four games.

England are second five points behind after a second half goal from Helen Richardson sealed a solid 1-0 victory over Olympic champions Germany earlier Tuesday.

Germany and Spain both have six points with the hosts playing India later in the day.

The normally sharp Chinese seemed jaded, but they kept trying and forced two corners before their pressing paid off with MA Yi Bo finding the back board from a strong corner shot after 58 minutes.

Dutch coach Marc Lammers said: "This was a game I predicted, China had to attack and this left a lot of space for us which we used well."

He added: "Spain cannot play their counter tactics against India, they have to go forward as they have to win."

England, meanwhile, were so effective in their tactics earlier that German star forward Natasha Keller was rarely in the match.

The hard running of Katharina Scholz was the main feature of German play as the England midfield placed pressure on the German distribution.

England should have led at half time when Christa Cullen had a corner saved by Yvonne Frank in goal.

After the break, Germany suddenly went one down after 38 minutes when Richardson flicked home a penalty stroke after an England corner.

With a major upset looming, England controlled the match and Germany were forced to change their traditional structured play and move their emphasis to full attack.

As England continued to lead, the Spanish fans suddenly realized that an England win might assist their quest.

With Spain playing India later Tuesday, and England on Wednesday, they liked their chances.

Germany play favourites Netherlands Wednesday hence this match's importance grew as the seconds ticked by.

England forward Jo Ellis had a great match penetrating deep down the right causing Germany all sorts of problems and Cullen was superb in defence.

German coach Markus Weise was furious with his team and the umpiring.

"We only created half chances and didn't stick to the game plan," he lamented. "We didn't score against Spain or England, there is a big problem."

He added: "The umpiring here is very inconsistent and constructive play is punished. Ball possession is supposed to be an advantage so skilled teams can play, this is not happening."

England coach Danny Kerry said: "We expected to win, I was calmer today than the controversial India game.

"Our direct game unsettled the Germans and the team stuck to the plan of defence moving the ball wide. It is the first time we have beaten Germany since 2003, so we're happy."