The Netherlands will chase history at the Olympics.
The Oranje is trying to become the first nation to win three consecutive field hockey gold medals on the women's side after winning in Beijing in 2008 and London in 2012.
This year's squad features some key mainstays from both winners, including Naomi Van As, Ellen Hoog, Lidewij Welten, Eva de Goede and Maartje Paumen. Welten was the FIH (International Hockey Federation) Player of the Year in 2015, Hoog won in 2014 and Paumen, the top Olympic women's scorer ever, won in 2011 and 2012.
With that veteran core providing a balanced, high-scoring attack and a stout defense that is backed by 2015 FIH Goalkeeper of the Year Joyce Sombroek, the Dutch have remained the top-ranked team in the world.
"Success breeds success, and it's just embedded in their culture," USA coach Craig Parnham said.
A familiar rival awaits. Second-ranked Argentina was the runner-up to The Netherlands at the 2012 Games and looks to take the next step. Noel Barrionuevo, Carla Rebecchi and Rosario Luchetti were key players on that team, as well as the 2008 team that finished third.
Argentina's Luciana Aymar, an eight-time FIH Player of the Year who is generally considered the greatest women's player of all time, has retired from international competition. A new star is on the rise — Delfina Merino was third in the player of the year voting in 2015.
New Zealand is ranked No. 4. China, the silver medalists in 2008, is No. 5, and Great Britain is No. 6.
Here are some other things to watch as the women get set to compete:
TEAM USA
The Americans haven't medaled since 1984, when they hosted the Games in Los Angeles, but they showed they might be a threat by winning the Pan American Games last year. The USA made a solid showing in Beijing in 2008, posting draws against Argentina and Japan, which were both ranked in the top five at the time. The Americans qualified in 2012, but finished last. They are back and have moved up to No. 7 in the world FIH rankings.
DOWN UNDER
Australia won gold in 1988, 1996 and 2000, but has not medaled since. The No. 3 team in the world features Jodie Kenny, who finished fourth in voting for the 2015 Player of the Year. In 2014, Australia won the Commonwealth Games and lost to the Netherlands in the World Cup final.
LAUREN CRANDALL
The 31-year-old defender was fifth in the FIH Player of the Year balloting in 2014, making her a rare American considered one of the best in the world.
"She's the captain," Parnham said. "She's hugely experienced and has been through many cycles with the USA. She's a great leader for the team. Not only does she speak well for our team, but she defines her ability on actions and behaviors. She leads by example and is a role model for the younger players."
RISING STAR
Great Britain's Lily Owsley was honored as the FIH's Rising Star of the Year in 2015. Now just 21, she helped her squad earn silver at the Commonwealth Games in 2014 and the European championship in 2015. She'll try to help Great Britain improve on its third-place finish at the 2012 Olympics.
KEY MATCHES
China vs. Netherlands, Aug. 10; Australia vs. Argentina, Aug. 11; New Zealand vs. Netherlands, Aug. 12; China vs. New Zealand, Aug. 12. Gold medal match, Aug. 19.
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Follow Cliff Brunt on Twitter @CliffBruntAP
