Following on the heels of Argentina’s hugely positive Women’s World Cup, a buoyant Albiceleste have now booked a place in the Panamerican Games final following a 3-0 win over Paraguay.

For the first time Argentina will be competing in a final with a gold medal at stake and victory over Colombia on Friday would also book a spot at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.

Paraguay started brightly in Lima but it was Argentina that drew first blood as Gabriela Chávez cut in down the right and was brought down allowing tournament top scorer Mariana Larroquette to score from the penalty spot.

Soon after Argentina doubled their lead when centre back Aldana Cometti launched a free-kick from close to halfway that evaded goalkeeper Cristina Recalde and ended in the net.

The dream first half got even better before the referee drew things to a close as Yael Oviedo hammered in a third from close range.

Paraguay looked for a way back in but inspirational captain Vanina Correa stood firm in goal and Argentina cruised into the final.

Colombia defeated Costa Rica in a far more tense semi-final a little later and so Argentina now know who stand between them and Panamerican gold. This group have already written themselves into women’s football history and are on the brink of adding a glittering new chapter on Friday.