Holland deny Aymar a golden farewell
Olympic gold is the only medal the South American playmaker and seven-time world player of the year has not won and she admitted victory in the final would give her “eternal glory”.
However, arguably the greatest player in the history of the women’s game bowed out having won two silvers and two bronzes in her four Olympic appearances.
A cagey game was settled midway through the second-half as world number ones Holland scored two penalty corner goals in relatively quick succession from Carlien Dirkse van den Heuvel and captain Maartje Paumen. Even the great Aymar could not inspire world champions Argentina into a fightback as Holland collected the third Olympic gold medal in their history.
Meanwhile, Great Britain coach Danny Kerry paid tribute to his players for bouncing back from semi-final heartbreak to win only the second Olympic women’s bronze medal in history. A narrow defeat by Argentina in the last four had left the squad devastated but less than 48 hours later they picked themselves up to beat New Zealand 3-1.
Striker Alex Danson, defender Crista Cullen and Wales international Sarah Thomas put them into a comfortable lead before Stacey Michelsen’s late consolation.
“I am going to have to work hard to hold it together,” said a clearly emotional Kerry.
“That is seven and a half years of my life so there is just a deep contentment.
“I thought the girls were incredibly thorough and professional today as I asked them to play in a particular way which does not suit us much but it was the best way to play against New Zealand.
“They were deserving winners.
“You hear people interviewed after winning medals — I haven’t won a medal, the girls have won a medal – and they say ’You just keep coming back’. I think people who succeed in life are the people who keep coming back.
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