Hockey

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Ireland men completed the year with a 4-3 defeat by Argentina in a close encounter in Santiago del Estero.

Ben Nelson netted his first senior international goal with a reverse shot to put Ireland in front as they aimed to finish their first stage of the Pro League on a high.

However, Argentina wasted no time drawing level and then taking the lead with two Tomas Domene penalty corners.

Alistair Empey slotted home the equaliser before the hosts restored their lead as Domene sealed his hat-trick.

Lee Cole flicked powerfully into the net from a penalty corner to make it 3-3 but Bautista Capurro squeezed the ball in at the near post from another penalty corner to give Argentina victory.

Ireland, who picked up one point from their four matches, had already suffered a controversial 1-0 loss to Argentina three days earlier which was followed by an 8-0 defeat by England.

"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," said Ireland head coach Mark Tumilty.

"It is disappointing to concede four penalty corner goals again but he's [Tomas Domene] a world-class drag-flicker. We are in a much better position than we were at the start of the previous Pro League campaign."

Ireland will return to international duties in February when they travel to India to face the hosts and Germany in their next stage of the Pro League.