Seven-time world player of the year Luciana Aymar believes Ireland are a team on the up — despite leading her Argentina side to a second 4-1 win in as many days at Belfield on Saturday.
Aymar’s double was among three goals in eight second-half minutes that undid Ireland’s hopes, following a promising first half that had seen Emma Smyth’s bouncer cancel out Martina Cavallero’s 18th-minute opener.
But Aymar nonetheless admitted she has seen signs of improvement in Gene Muller’s side, who were playing their final warm-up game prior to the EuroHockey Nations Championships, which get underway this weekend in Germany.
“Ireland were very good, they seem to be improving under (Muller), who I know quite well,” she told The Hook.
“The Spanish side (who played Ireland in a triple-header last weekend) told us the Irish team’s level was getting higher and said it would be good to come here.”
For his part, Muller was delighted to get two intense workouts against the world number one side.
“It’s been a bit of a roller-coaster in these games but we got what we wanted from these games as its exactly what we will face in the Europeans,” he said after the game.
“I’m happy with our preparations and we played the level of opponent necessary. I think we’ve gotten better over the course of the five games (including the Spain series).
“Argentina are great athletes, very skilful, and if you get it wrong, you pay the price as they showed us.”
On Friday, Ireland showed more of their attacking hand but were left undone by Argentina’s overall class as Carla Rebecchi inspired a 4-1 victory at Belfield.
Her pace in attack, aided by Jimena Cedres, Daniela Sruoga and Delfina Merino, was too much for an Irish rearguard shorn of key centre-back Sinead McCarthy, who was rested as a precautionary measure.
Nonetheless, Ireland, with Chloe Watkins in sparkling form, showed far more intent than their low-key showings against Spain last weekend and went close to an early breakthrough when Lisa Jacob’s cracked effort was smothered by Maria Aladro.
Maria Barrionuevo’s drag-flick and a superb individual Rebecchi strike had the visitors 2-0 up at the interval. Julia O’Halloran pulled one back in chaotic style, goalkeeper Aladro and Alex Speers both taking head injuries which should have seen play stopped for danger as the Cork woman asked no questions though, sweeping swept home Emma Smyth’s cross for 1-2.
But Rebecchi twice unlocked the defence to lay up simple finishes for Agustina Garcia and Luciana Aymar to secure the result.
The sides meet again at Belfield today (4pm) in what is Ireland’s final warm-up clash before the European championships in Germany next week.