Aymar wants to bow out in style

If the seven-time world player of the year is looking for omens, the final against defending champions Netherlands is played on her 35th birthday.

Argentina are going for a golden treble, as they already hold world and Champions Trophy titles, and Aymar is desperate to win the one medal which has so far eluded her before she retires after the London 2012 Games.

Asked what it would mean to her to win the Olympics, having already acquired one silver medal and two bronzes at the last three events, she said: 'Eternal glory. It would be a dream come true.'

Aymar, who has been called the Diego Maradona of women's hockey, is considered the best player of her generation and possibly the greatest to ever grace the game

Her talents were in evidence in the semi-final against Great Britain when her brilliant run from wide on the left set up their crucial second goal.

The Netherlands also have a team of high-class individuals.

Kim Lammers is joint leading scorer with four while fellow forward Naomi van As has become more influential as the tournament has progressed.

The Netherlands came through a tense semi-final against New Zealand, winning in a shoot-out, but Van As said they would put that behind them and try to produce their best form as they go in search of a third Olympic title.

'It was a nerve-wracking semi-final and we are not going to think about it,' she said.

'I think we can still play better than we have shown so far. We have to be a step earlier a few times and not wait: act, not react.

'Let's hope it is going to be in the final as that would be a great finish.

'Personally I think I've got better throughout the tournament but I hope I will be at my best tomorrow. That would be nice.'

Great Britain and New Zealand contest the bronze medal play-off, China v Australia is the fifth-place game while the USA and Olympic debutants Belgium are bidding to avoid last place.