It was a rematch that had been so hotly anticipated since August 19, 2016, but it wasn’t to be double delight for England’s hockey golden girls as they narrowly lost in an epic shootout to the Netherlands.
Almost ten months on from that memorable night in Rio, the Dutch were once again in the opposition dressing room as a familiar tale began to unfold at London's Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre.
The visitors took the lead after just three minutes of play through Laura Nunnink, before Laurien Leurink doubled their advantage before half-time.
Alex Danson - named England captain for the summer last week - pegged one back with her 100th international goal, following some fine play on the right from the returning Susannah Townsend.
And parity was restored through a diving Sophie Bray, who nudged home a fine Townsend cross with eight minutes left on the clock.
In a repeat of that Olympic final, a victor could not be decided in normal time and, in remarkable scenes, it looked as though gold medal-winner Hollie Webb would once again be England's hero when she scored what she thought was the winner.
But it was ruled out after the ball was judged to have hit her foot, and the Netherlands went on to seal the shootout 4-3 - exacting their revenge in a spectacular afternoon of hockey.
England's loss came just a day after they suffered a 5-1 defeat to Argentina, with Hannah Martin scoring the hosts' only goal of the game - her first in senior international colours.
But despite the absence of a win this weekend, new captain Danson couldn't have been prouder of her team as she hailed their battling spirit.
“These internationals have been absolutely amazing,” she said.
“The support we’ve had, just a huge thank you from the whole team.
“It’s made a difference, and I think we can see that hockey in this country is going places.
“I’m absolutely delighted with the team performance, and looking forward to next year, it’s a very exciting time for hockey.
“I think it is a sign of the great team we have here is that we do have that resolve.
“At half-time, we knew we had something to fight for, we dug deep and what a fantastic performance in the second half.
“We will go home very proud, with lots to build on, lots to work on, and my goodness will we be back.”
Sportsbeat 2017