Great Britain women's dreams of a first Olympic final were shattered by world champions Argentina.
The hosts left themselves too much to do after first-half goals from Noel Barrionuevo and Carla Rebecchi.
Although a late close-range strike from Southampton 's Alex Danson 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.
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