Ireland men's hockey side miss out on quarter-final spot after defeat to Argentina

The Green Machine will have to pick themselves up for their final game against New Zealand on Friday.

Ireland’s Timothy Cross and Lee Cole dejected after the game. File pic: INPHO/Ryan Byrne

Another spirited, increasingly uplifting 60 minutes from Ireland ended with a fourth successive defeat and the Green Machine’s dream of an Olympic quarter-final berth on Thursday.

Ireland lost 2-1 to Argentina, who were indebted to their goalkeeper Santiago Tomas, whose padded, 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 performance from Ireland.

The 32-year old 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. With Mark Tumilty’s side holding all the momentum, it proved a crucial stop.

This was Ireland’s best performance of their four Pool games. Thus, at the final hooter, there was utter disappointment and they will do well to pick themselves up for their final game against New Zealand tomorrow.

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.

Ireland had a sight at goal with the next attack and appealed for a penalty stroke in the circle after their second penalty corner was saved. It went Argentina’s way and both sides had now lost their match referral.

An end-to-end, physical start to the second quarter ensued and Harte’s measured boot cleared danger and an Argentinian second.

In the heat, there was plenty of needle 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 fourth penalty corner on the next attack. This time Maico Casella Schuth found a direct route to goal.

Penalty corner routines proved to be the best hope for either team, the Green Machine doubling Argentina thanks to their attacking press. Ireland had two more bites at the cherry but Argentina and goalkeeper Santiago were still equal to it.

Seconds from the third quarter hooter saw 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 Santiago’s boot. They dominated the final salvos. It just wouldn’t fall Ireland’s way.