Ireland suffered a narrow 4-3 defeat to Argentina in a thrilling FIH Pro League match in Santiago del Estero on Sunday, bringing an end to their first stage of the 2024/25 campaign.
The game was closely contested, with Ireland taking an early lead through Ben Nelson. However, despite fighting back from behind on two separate occasions, the Irish were unable to hold on, and Argentina sealed the win with a decisive goal in the fourth quarter.
The match got off to a fast-paced start, with both teams pressing high up the pitch. Ireland struck first when Nelson pounced on a loose ball in the Argentine circle and slotted home a reverse shot under goalkeeper Joaquin Ruiz to open the scoring. However, Argentina quickly responded, with Tomas Domene converting two penalty corners to put the hosts ahead.
Ireland showed resilience, drawing level just before the first-quarter buzzer. A penalty corner rebound saw Alistair Empey net the equalizer after Lee Cole’s drag flick was blocked.
The second quarter saw a more cautious approach from both sides, with few scoring opportunities created. The teams remained deadlocked at 1-1 as they headed into halftime.
The third quarter saw Argentina pressurizing Ireland’s defense, and the hosts regained the lead when Domene completed his hat-trick with a powerful drag flick into the top corner from another penalty corner. Ireland responded with a penalty corner of their own after a deflected effort from Louis Rowe, allowing Cole to score and level the match at 2-2.
Argentina continued to create chances, but Ireland’s defense held firm until the final quarter, when Argentina’s persistence paid off. After a series of re-awarded penalty corners, Domene’s flick was saved by Irish goalkeeper Luke Roleston, but Bautista Capurro was quick to pounce on the rebound and squeeze the ball past Roleston at the near post to put Argentina ahead 4-3.
Despite continued efforts from Ireland, including a shot from Ben Walker that struck the post, the hosts held on to their lead, securing the victory.
Head coach Mark Tumilty expressed disappointment at the result, but praised his team’s performance. “That is some of the best hockey we have played with the ball since the Antwerp series with Belgium last summer,” he said. He singled out Johnny Lynch and 19-year-old Ben Pasley for their outstanding contributions.
Tumilty also noted that Ireland was more comfortable against Argentina compared to their previous loss to England. “Overall, we had three positive performances, and I think we deserved a lot more out of this block than a single point,” he added.
Ireland will now turn their attention to the next stage of the FIH Pro League, with matches against India and Germany scheduled for February 2025.
