Netherlands women reach sixth straight Olympic final

Netherlands celebrate a goal in the women's hockey semi-final v ArgentinaImage source, Getty Images
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Netherlands won Olympic gold at Beijing 2008, London 2012 and Tokyo 2020

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The Netherlands reached their sixth successive Olympic women's hockey final with a 3-0 thrashing of Argentina in Paris.

They will face China, who beat Belgium in a shootout, in Friday's gold-medal decider at 19:00 BST.

Luna Noa Fokke put the Dutch ahead in the 21st minute before Laura Nunnink doubled the lead shortly before half-time.

Yibbi Jansen then scored from a penalty corner in the third quarter to all-but seal their place in the final.

It was a convincing performance from the defending champions, who dominated possession throughout, while Argentina missed all 12 of their shots at goal.

The match was a repeat of the Tokyo 2020 final, which the Netherlands won to clinch a third Olympic title in four Games after triumphs at Beijing 2008 and London 2012.

In Wednesday's second semi-final, China took the lead in the second quarter through Zou Meirong.

However, Emma Puvrez equalised in the final minute of the game to force a shootout at Yves-du-Manoir Stadium.

Belgium went 2-0 ahead but failed to score any of their following three attempts as China converted each of theirs to win 3-2.

Belgium will take on Argentina in the bronze-medal match at 13:00 BST on Friday.