New Zealand remained unbeaten in pool play, and without conceding a goal, after their 2-0 win over hosts Belgium at the World League hockey semifinal in Antwerp today.
Goals from captain Anita Punt after 11 minutes and Gemma Flynn, just after the second half began, set the world No 4Black Sticks up for a quarter-final against 16th-ranked Japan early on Wednesday (NZT).
The four pool B games produced 21 goals and New Zealand's defence has impressed in keeping a clean sheet throughout the tournament.
Punt's goal came after her shot from the first of New Zealand's two penalty corners was blocked and the rebound gave her a second chance, which she took with a firm shot.
Belgium's defence didn't make life easy for New Zealand, despite them having an overwhelming advantage in possession (73 percent) and circle penetrations (20-7).
Flynn's seventh goal of the tournament, after a strong drive into the circle and powerful shot, gave New Zealand the cushion they needed.
A third goal could have come right at the end when Kirsten Pearce did well to intercept a loose ball but her one-on-one shot was blocked by Belgian goalkeeper Aisling d'Hooghe, in her 100th international.
"We had a few chances but it was pretty even throughout the game," Flynn said. ''We pride ourselves on our defence so it is really good to walk away from these pool games having kept a clean sheet."
World No 2 Australia finished second in the pool after a 4-2 win over India, and now play Italy; Belgium face Korea while world No1 the Netherlands, who thumped the Italians 9-0 today, will face India.
The top three finishers at the tournament automatically qualify for next year's Rio Olympics.
