The home team's 4-0 win earned them a place in Saturday's final against Australia, who had earlier come through a dramatic semi against the surprise package of the Cup, the United States, winning a penalty shoot-out 3-1 after the score had finished at 2-2.

The 36-year-old Aymar, who injured a hamstring during the third of her side's five group matches, took to the field with a heavily strapped right thigh and was clearly operating well below her stellar best.

Missing Aymar's normal drive in midfield, Argentina were three down within just over 20 minutes.

Xan de Waard scored her first international goal after 10 minutes, Maartje Paumen got her seventh of the competition six minutes later, and Kim Lammers got the first of her two goals in the 22nd minute, adding the second five minutes from time.

"We needed our best game yet to beat Argentina, and luckily that happened," said the Dutch coach Max Caldas.

"Now we need to do the same in the final."

The Netherlands have already beaten Australia in the group stages, although the match was close, 2-1, and they will be well aware of the tenacity which the Hockeyroos have brought to this tournament.

The United States came into the World Cup ranked 10th, but finished top of their group with five wins out of five, and when they made the score 2-2 with just two minutes remaining through Kelsey Kolojejchick's second goal, it looked as if they had the momentum to progress.

But while Kolojejchick converted her penalty in the shoot-out she was the only US player to do so as conversions by Kellie White, Georgie Parker and Jodie Kenny put the Australians through.

Australia's women celebrate after beating the United States on a penalty shoot-out to reach the World Cup final, where they will play host nation The Netherlands ©AFP/Getty Images

In a match played at a fierce tempo, White had put Australia ahead two minutes before the break, but Kolojejchick equalised 13 minutes into the second half.

Anna Flanagan restored the Australian lead in the 52nd minute, but Kolojejchick struck again to make the final score 2-2.

The United States and Argentina will contest the bronze medal on Saturday before the final is played.

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