Netherlands retains women’s hockey crown

The Netherlands clinched their second successive Olympic women’s hockey gold medal as they beat world champions Argentina 2-0 on Friday.

Second-half goals from Carlien Dirkse van den Houvel and captain Maartje Paumen gave the Dutch women their third Olympic gold, having won in Beijing four years ago and in Los Angeles in 1984.

The Netherlands took the lead five minutes into the second-half when Dirkse van den Houvel slammed in from close range after a penalty corner by Paumen had only been parried by Argentina goalkeeper Rosario Luchetti.

And Paumen doubled their lead nine minutes later, lifting a penalty corner high into her top right corner.

Great Britain won the bronze medal with a 3-1 victory over New Zealand earlier on Friday.