Danson’s late effort not enough as GB beaten by world champions Argentina

The hosts left themselves too much to do after first-half goals from Noel Barrionuevo and Carla Rebecchi.

Although Alex Danson’s late close-range strike set up a grandstand finish it proved to be little consolation.

To GB’s credit they were the better side after the break but the South Americans, who are looking to win a golden treble by adding the Olympics to their world and Champions Trophy titles, were just too wily to let a two-goal lead slip.

Argentina, now in their second Olympic final, after Sydney 2000, are looking to improve on the bronze medals they won in 2004 and 2008 and face a rematch of the 2010 World Cup final against Holland.

They controlled most of the first half thanks to a high press which gave the hosts no outlet once they had possession.

From there they were able to build pressure but what did that more effectively was Barrionuevo’s sixth-minute penalty corner strike which she flicked low through the legs of defensive runner Crista Cullen to beat goalkeeper Beth Storry.

Rebecchi maintained her composure after colliding with Storry to get the ball back under control and force it over the line from a narrow angle.

Argentina invited pressure in the second half, but GB failed to capitalise until Helen Richardson made amends with five minutes to go with a pinpoint cross from which Danson could not miss, but it came too late and the home team could not force extra time.