And on Saturday, 'Las Leonas' were determined not to be outdone in an incredibly tense final against the United States (2-1), where they had to display their characteristic tenacity to secure a victory that will allow them to defend the silver medal they won in Tokyo two years ago.

Argentina had cruised through the group stage with wins over Uruguay (8-0) and United States (1-5), as well as a dominating performance against Trinidad and Tobago (21-0), with six goals coming from Agustina Gorzelani, a defender for Argentina's San Martín team. In the semi-finals, they defeated Canada 3-0, while the Americans needed a penalty shoot-out to earn a 1-1 draw against the hosts.

Argentina went into the final as favourites and took the lead through Gorzelani at the end of the first quarter. But Ashley Sessa equalised with a penalty stroke 19 seconds before half-time. The American, 19, is this year's champion with the University of North Carolina and one of the rising stars in field hockey.

The third quarter saw a more cautious approach, and the final quarter was much livelier. With 11 minutes 15 seconds remaining, Argentina striker Julieta Jankunas (Ciudad de Buenos Aires) was shown a yellow card. San Fernando midfielder Eugenia Trinchinetti, scored the 2-1, but Santa barbara striker Maria Granatto received a straight red card with 4:37 remaining. 

With a woman down, Argentina had to defend fiercely and the Americans forced two penalty corners. Clara Barbieri, the goalkeeper for Argentina's Lomas AC, made a spectacular save from one of them.

The final score was 2-1, sending the Argentinians through to the Olympics and leaving the Americans to figth for a place in the Olympic qualifying tournament, along with Chile, who beat Canada 2-0 to finish third.