The Argentina women’s and men’s teams capped off their FIH Hockey Pro League 2024-25 campaign in Santiago del Estero with memorable victories over their respective opponents. For the first time since February 2020, the Argentina women’s team triumphed over the Netherlands, claiming a thrilling 3-2 win, while the men’s side edged past Ireland 4-3 in a high-octane encounter.
Women’s Match: Argentina 3 – 2 Netherlands
In the final women’s match of the Argentina leg, Argentina played Netherlands in a highly competitive encounter. The hosts got off to a positive start, with Sofia Cairo creating the first opportunity, though her shot sailed high. However, Zoe Diaz made no mistake five minutes into the game, opening the scoring for Argentina after a well-timed tip-in from a cross by Maria Granatto.
The Netherlands responded well, winning their first penalty corner around the 17-minute mark, but Argentina’s Paula Santamarina blocked Yibbi Jansen’s flick on the fly. With just two seconds remaining in the first quarter, a counter-attack by the Dutch side resulted in an equalizer from Fay van der Elst, who finished off a brilliant move set up by Freeke Moes and Mette Winter.
Both teams were unable to capitalize on penalty corners in the second quarter, and the first half ended in a 1-1 stalemate.
In the third quarter, Argentina dominated possession, but despite multiple chances, including a penalty corner, neither side was able to break the deadlock. The final 15 minutes, however, were action-packed.
Maria Granatto continued to impress with some individual brilliance, winning a penalty corner in the 52nd minute, which was converted by Juana Castellaro, putting Argentina 2-1 ahead. The Netherlands responded almost immediately, as Mette Winter pounced on a rebound from Jansen’s penalty corner to level the score at 2-2.
Just as it looked like the match might end in another draw, Granatto was at the heart of the final drama, firing a hard drive into the left corner of the goal in the 57th minute to give Argentina a 3-2 lead.
Sofia Cairo, who played a key role throughout the match, was named Player of the Match, expressing her joy after the win:
“We are very happy because we played as we practiced all day, and we are very happy.”
Men’s Match: Argentina 4 – 3 Ireland
In the men’s contest, Ireland took an early lead with a goal from Ben Nelson in the 3rd minute. Argentina responded quickly as Tomas Domene converted a penalty corner to bring the game back to 1-1. Another penalty corner from Domene in the 8th minute gave Argentina the lead at 2-1.
With time running out in the first quarter, Ireland’s Alistair Empey converted a penalty corner to tie the match at 2-2.
The second quarter was more subdued, with both teams struggling to find rhythm, and no goals were scored. However, Argentina regained the lead in the 38th minute with yet another clinical penalty corner flick from Domene, giving them a 3-2 advantage.
Despite the continued pressure from Ireland, Argentina seemed to be in control. Ireland’s Lee Cole managed to equalize with another penalty corner flick in the 44th minute, setting up a tense final quarter.
In a dramatic finale, Argentina won a penalty corner in the 49th minute. After a brilliant initial save by Luke Roleston, Bautistia Capurro pounced on the rebound to score, putting Argentina ahead 4-3.
Despite strong efforts from Ireland in the final moments, Argentina held on to claim the victory. Tomas Domene was named the Player of the Match, reflecting on the win:
“We played really well. I think we had more opportunities than the last few games, so that’s good. We fought until the end, and we are happy to win.”
Current Hero Top Scorers:
- Women’s:
- Freeke Moes (NED)
- Yibbi Jansen (NED) — 4 goals
- Men’s:
- Tom Boon (BEL)
- Sam Ward (ENG) — 8 goals
Match Details:
FIH Hockey Pro League – 15 December 2024
Venue: Santiago del Estero Hockey Club, Santiago del Estero (ARG)
Women’s Result:
Argentina 3 – 2 Netherlands
Player of the Match: Sofia Cairo (ARG)
Umpires: Pauline Cuypers (BEL), Victoria Pazos (PAR), Benjamin Peters (USA)
Men’s Result:
Argentina 4 – 3 Ireland
Player of the Match: Tomas Domene (ARG)
Umpires: Tyler Klenk (CAN), Sean Rapaport (RSA), Benjamin Peters (USA)
With these victories, Argentina ended the Santiago del Estero stage on a high, further solidifying their position in the FIH Hockey Pro League 2024-25 standings. Both the women’s and men’s teams displayed great resilience, keeping the hosts’ fans entertained throughout the matches. The competition continues to deliver high-quality action, and fans can expect more thrilling encounters in the upcoming stages.
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