Ireland suffer last-gasp Argentina loss in Pro League

Ireland's game against Argentina looked set to go to a shootout before the hosts were awarded a controversial penalty corner in the closing seconds

Argentina snatched a controversial 1-0 Pro League win over Ireland after a successful video referral in the final seconds of the game secured them a penalty corner which Thomas Domene scored.

After a shootout was needed on Thursday against England, another seemed likely as the umpire awarded Ireland a free out in the closing seconds before the hooter sounded with the game still goalless.

However, the hosts' video referral in Santiago del Estero yielded the penalty corner which Domene drag-flicked to the net.

Debutant home goalkeeper Joaquin Ruiz denied Conor Empey and Louis Rowe in the first half and while Argentina picked up the pace, the game remained goalless until the closing seconds.

Argentina's successful video referral came when they argued that Peter McKibbin had committed a foul after the ball had been lofted into Ireland's circle.

The penalty corner was then awarded despite vehement Irish protests.

"I don't think anybody can understand that decision," said Ireland coach Mark Tumilty, adding that he was "extremely disappointed".

"We need to regroup, a day's rest tomorrow. We need to go again against England."

Ireland finished 2-2 at the end of normal time in their opener against England on Thursday but were edged out in a shootout.

After Saturday's contest against England, the Irish will face the hosts again on Sunday.