Dec 17,2024
Argentina 4-3 Ireland
Ireland came out on the wrong end of a 4-3 scoreline in an exceptionally close final match against Argentina in Santiago del Estero in their 2024/25 FIH Pro League clash.
Ireland took an early lead through Ben Nelson but had to fight back from a goal down on two separate occasions to draw level.
However, Argentina ultimately prevailed, netting the decisive goal in the fourth quarter when Bautista Capurro squeezed the ball in at the near post following a penalty corner save from Ireland goalkeeper Luke Roleston.
Having suffered a controversial loss to Argentina three days prior, and a heavy defeat to England the day before, Ireland had a golden opportunity to finish their first stage of the FIH Pro League, and indeed 2024, on a high with a win over the hosts.
The game started at a much quicker pace than the two sides' first encounter, with both opting to press high up the pitch.
The tactic produced results for Ireland early on as forward Nelson stepped through, winning the ball in the Argentine circle and slotting a reverse shot under goalkeeper Joaquin Ruiz to grab his first senior international goal and open the scoring.
However, Argentina wasted no time drawing level and taking the lead, a duo of Tomas Domene penalty corners turning the game around for the hosts.
Ireland responded, securing a penalty corner with just three seconds remaining in the first quarter. Lee Cole’s initial drag flick was blocked by the first runner, but it trickled goalward where Alistair Empey was waiting to slot into the net and bring Ireland level.
The second quarter was a much more conservative affair from both sides, an early chance created by Conor Empey and a deflected effort over the bar from Argentina the only chances of significance, but the sides remained level going into half-time.
The beginning of the second half brought with it a return to the high energy seen in the opening quarter with Argentina creating a goalscoring opportunity almost immediately, which Ireland defended and countered but couldn’t get a shot off down the opposite end.
Argentina’s press proved a challenge for Ireland as they found themselves pinned in their own half for large periods, a tactic which eventually delivered Argentina results as they found the foot of Peter McKibbin in the circle and won a penalty corner. Domene made no mistake in completing his hat-trick and restoring the Argentine lead, flicking the ball powerfully into the top corner.
Ireland responded, a superb interchange down the left side involving Ben Pasley eventually led to a chance for Louis Rowe, who’s first time deflection hit goalkeeper Ruiz and ricocheted up into his chest, winning Ireland a penalty corner.
Argentina were reduced to just three defenders and their keeper for the corner when their first runner was adjudged to have broken the line. Now afforded additional time and space, Cole flicked powerfully into the net, drawing Ireland level yet again.
Argentina produced the lion's share of the chances for the remainder of the third quarter but had to wait until the final quarter to take the lead again.
A series of re-awarded penalty corners eventually resulted in an Argentina goal. Domene’s drag flick was saved by Roleston but wasn’t cleared and Bautista Capurro was the first to the loose ball and managed to squeeze it past Roleston at the near post.
Ireland continued to ask questions of Argentina, Ben Walker hitting post on one occasion, but they could find an equaliser, and the game finished 4-3.
Speaking after the match, head coach Mark Tumilty said: "It’s an extremely disappointing result. That is some of the best hockey we have played with the ball since the Antwerp series with Belgium last summer.
"I thought Johnny Lynch was exceptional, probably his best game in an Ireland jersey tonight. Ben Pasley for 19 years of age in the middle of the park was exceptional as well. Daragh Walsh, higher up the pitch, offered us a lot."
Discussing the performances during this stage in the FIH Pro League, Tumilty added: "We were definitely more comfortable playing against Argentina than we were playing against England. It was an excellent piece of play from Ben Nelson for the first goal and we created chances.
"Overall, we had three positive performances, and I think we deserved a lot more out of this block than a single point."
Ireland will return to international duties next February when they will travel to India to face India and Germany in the next stage of the FIH Pro League.
Argentina: Facundo Zarate, Lautaro Domene, Thomas Domene, Matias Rey (C), Joaquin S Ruiz (GK), Tadeo Marucci, Thomas Habif, Bautista Capurro, Lucio Mendez, Agustin Bonanno, Inaki Mindeo.
Subs: Juan Catan (6 mins), Nicolas Keenan (5 mins), Neheun Harnando (GK), Thomas Ruiz (6 mins), Santiago Tarazona (5 mins), Lucas Martinez (5 mins), Bruno Correa (5 mins).
Ireland: Tim Cross, Daragh Walsh, Kyle Marshall (C), Peter McKibbin, Ben Walker, Jonathan Lynch, Peter Brown, Ben Nelson, Lee Cole, Louis Rowe, Luke Roleston (GK).
Subs: Mark McNellis (5 mins), James Milliken (GK), Ben Pasley (4 mins), Adam Walker (5 mins), Conor Empey (3 mins), Nicholas Page (4 mins), Alistair Empey (3 mins).
