Ireland sign off 2024 with narrow Argentina loss

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