The defending champions and Hockey World League holders, who were on the back foot for the majority of the entertaining encounter, opened the scoring in the first quarter through Martina Cavallero.

Noel Barrinonuevo doubled their advantage towards the end of the stanza as she found the target from a penalty corner in what was only their second attack of the match, leaving the Dutch team with a mountain to climb.

The Netherlands, the reigning world champions who have won this tournament on six occasions, gave themselves hope of launching a comeback when Eva de Goede scored just after the restart.

The Dutch pressed forward in search of an equaliser but it proved elusive as the Argentine rearguard action held firm to ensure the South Americans successfully defended their Champions Trophy crown.

The defeat for The Netherlands, the first of this year's tournament, marked yet another unhappy return to the scene of their London 2012 triumph following their European Championships loss at the hands of Britain last August.

United States, the lowest ranked team in the competition, secured the bronze medal as they overcame Australia in a shootout after the match had finished all square at 2-2.

Favourites Australia took a 2-0 lead thanks to goals from Mariah Williams and Grace Stewart but the Americans hit back as Katie Bam reduced the deficit before she struck again three minutes from time.

The shootout itself proved to be a low-scoring affair as Melissa Gonzalez was the only player to convert, with American goalkeeper Jackie Briggs the hero as she thwarted all five Australian efforts to earn the US' second Champions Trophy bronze.

The Dutch side began the final the brighter of the two teams but it was Argentina who went in front 10 minutes in thanks to Cavellero's deft touch at the near post.

The South American outfit then doubled their lead against the run of play when Noel Barrionuevo swept a penalty corner into the corner of the net.

The Netherlands, who were beginning to show signs of frustration, went in search of a way back into the match and Marloes Keetels spurned a glorious chance to reduce their arrears as she blazed over the bar, ensuring Argentina kept their two-goal lead in tact.

Shortly after the restart, the Dutch pressure finally paid dividends as De Goede converted a cleverly-worked penalty corner routine, but they were unable to find a way past a stout Argentine defence as they headed into the final quarter still trailing by a single goal.

The pattern continued in the final stanza, with the Dutch team dominating possession as the Argentinian side were penned back in their own half, but chances remained few and far between and the South Americans clung on for a memorable victory.