Ireland take pride but no progress after defeat by Argentina

Ireland lost 2-1 to Argentina, who were indebted to their goalkeeper Tomas Santiago, who padded, blocked, gloved and stick saved his side towards the knock-out stages. At the other end, it took two penalty corner goals to thwart an otherwise effective defensive display.

Santiago also saved a crucial second-half penalty stroke from Lee Cole, who had earlier equalised from a penalty corner as Ireland looked to level proceedings. Mark Tumilty’s side had held all the momentum but just couldn’t find the telling two blows needed.

Coach Mark Tumilty said: “I’m proud of the performance but clearly disappointed that we didn’t get what we deserved. I thought we deserved to still be at this tournament and three points would have given us a chance [against New Zealand].

“I don’t think we can fault the players who created enough chances. We can take a lot of pride in the hockey we produced and that we can compete against the top nations.” 

Los Leones’ opener was scored from set piece dangerman Tomas Domene in the 17th minute, his flick taking a crucial deflection which evaded Harte.

Ben Walker then had the Green Machine’s best chance as he trapped down a Shane O’Donoghue aerial before seeing his upright reverse saved by Santiago.

An end-to-end, physical start, there was plenty of needle in the heat too. Cole and Thomas Habif clashed on the sidelines during one forceful tackle which left the Argentinian grounded and the Irishman with possession.

Moments later, Cole was in the thick of the Argentinian final third and, with five minutes left before half-time, his corner flick bulged the net.

Still, momentum swung either end. From the restart, Argentina galloped up field and accrued a fourth penalty corner on the next attack. This time Maico Casella Schuth found a direct route to goal.

Seconds from the third quarter hooter, John McKee mishit from two yards out. Little matter. A penalty stroke was awarded with the next variation after an illegal stop on the Argentinian line. After some delay tactics on the line from Santiago, Cole’s flick was saved by his boot. They dominated the final salvos. It just wouldn’t fall Ireland’s way.

Tumilty said: “We have seen throughout the tournament that the penalty corners haven’t been as clinical as they have been in the past. Because of the corner defence you are looking for various options and perhaps today we didn’t make the right calls.” 

Captain Sean Murray added: “It’s a first Olympics for many of the guys, including ourselves. And to play on the world stage, we can proud and we gave it everything.”