FIH Pro-League: Double victory for Argentina sides over visiting Australia

It was a double victory in Santiago del Estero, Argentina for Los Leones and Las Leonas in their last home games of the FIH Pro League series in Argentina. The men scored early in the second half through Bautista Capurro’s rocket on the upright reverse, while the women recovered from going an early goal down to beat the Hockeyroos 2-1.

The win gives the Argentina men their third out of eight games played to sit sixth in the standings, while on the women’s side Las Leonas are in fifth overall in eight games. The FIH Pro League action in Argentina will continue with one more set of games between Belgium and Australia in a day’s time.

(Men’s) Argentina 1 – 0 Australia

The opening quarter was tightly contested, with Argentina earning two penalty corners and Australia one. Maico Casella’s drag flick was gloved away by Jed Snowden, while Iñaki Minadeo’s attempt was run down well by the Kookburras. Australia’s best chance was manufactured through Ky Willott’s deflection off Nicolas della Torre’s foot. The resulting penalty corner flick from Campbell Geddes sailed wide.

Argentina gained momentum in the second quarter, with Lucas Toscani intercepting an outlet pass to spark a counterattack, though Snowden was quick to intervene.

After the halftime break, Argentina struck in the 32nd minute. Casella’s aerial pass across the circle was expertly controlled by Bautista Capurro, who fired an upright backhand past Ashleigh Thomas for the 1-0 lead. Thomas later denied a penalty corner attempt to keep Australia within reach.

Australia pushed late, earning two penalty corners, but Argentina’s defense—backed by a crucial save from Tomas Santiago—held firm. With their keeper pulled, Australia won a final penalty corner with 10 seconds remaining, but a miscommunication at the top of the D sealed Argentina’s 1-0 victory.

Argentina’s Bautista Capurro was named player of the match and said: “Always to win in Argentina is beautiful. It was our last match and we had to win.”

(Women’s) Argentina 2 – 1 Australia

Australia struck early after a Valentina Raposo turnover led to a Hockeyroos brilliant counter-attack. Greta Hayes drove down the left and found Courtney Schonell, whose mid-air cross was batted in by Jade Smith for the opening goal. Argentina responded with a penalty corner flick, expertly finished by Agustina Gorzelany—her fifth of the tournament.

The Leonas controlled the second quarter with high ball speed and confident passing. A Raposo slap into the Australian circle nearly set up Lara Casas, but she missed the final touch. Moments later, Brisa Bruggesser weaved past Zoe Newman in traffic to put Argentina ahead 2-1. Gorzelany nearly added another, but her flick struck the post and stayed out. Agustina Albertarrio nearly made it three for Argentina but again the ball slid just past the end of her stick before half time.

Australia’s best chance came in the fourth quarter from a penalty corner, but a well-worked routine at the top of the circle couldn’t find Alana Kavanagh’s stick at the back post . Both teams traded chances, but the first-half goals stood, giving Argentina back-to-back 2-1 wins over the Hockeyroos in this Pro League series.

Argentina’s Maria Granatto was named player of the match and said: “We are really happy for the win today. We played really well and we worked hard so this was the key for us. The other team played really well, too.”

Current Hero Top Scorers:

Women – Frédérique Matla (NED), Agustina Gorzelany (ARG) (5 goals)

Men – Tom Boon (BEL) (14 goals)

To see the current standings in the FIH Hockey Pro League, click here.

FIH Hockey Pro League – 23 February 2025

Santiago del Estero Hockey Club, Santiago del Estero, Argentina (ARG)

Men

Result: Match 31 (M)

Argentina 1 – 0 Australia

Player of the match: Bautista Capurro (ARG)

Umpires: Raphaël Adrien (GER), Sean Edwards (ENG), Darren Hubach (RSA-video)

Women