Jade Smith stars as Hockeyroos and Kookaburras go down to Argentina

The Kookaburras struggled to halt a dominant Argentinian outfit determined to get their first win at home in their last match of the stage, as the 40-degree Santiago del Estero sun blazed at 7pm local time.

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Kookaburras goalkeeper Jed Snowden proved pivotal yet again from the outset, as he was forced to make countless saves on goal in the first half, continuing his stellar run at the top level.

"It feels unreal to be out there at the moment and I'm feeling really comfortable out there," Jed said.

"It's really intimidating coming up against the world's best players for the first time. I just try to tell myself that I've earned this spot in the Kookaburras. The boys make me feel really welcome, which makes it easy to go out there and do my job."

As Argentina controlled the pace, slowing Australia's trademark tempo and free-flowing play, it was only a matter of time before they would score.

The match-winner came just minutes into the second half, with a well-timed overhead ball to Bautista Capurro, who rocketed it past Aussie goalkeeper Ash Thomas into the back of the net.

Tassie's Jack Welch came close to finding the equaliser just moments later, but the Argentinian goalie would ensure the hosts kept a clean sheet.

The Kookaburras took risks as they heaped pressure on Argentina and hunted the equaliser, pulling goalkeeper Ash Thomas in the final minutes in a bid to level the scores.

Australia came close, earning three penalty corners to Argentina's none in the final quarter, but Argentina's defence held strong. The world number eight side winning its first match of the stage 1-0 and its second win against Australia since 2019.

"It was a tough game. Argentina played really well. They were a very tough unit to crack defensively, and they countered really fast, finding gaps in our defence," skipper Anand Gupte said on 7plus.

"You have to give credit where it's due, they played really well, and we'll be looking to improve our basics and our attacking 50 outlets."

The Hockeyroos got off to a flying start over the hosts in the second match of the evening, scoring within the first five minutes, to take an early lead.

Queenslander Jade Smith, in just her sixth outing for Australia, finished off a fantastic team counter-attack with a beautiful touch, to score her fourth international goal.

But the world number two outfit answered straight back, earning a penalty corner in the next play and scoring in the following minute through Agustina Gorzelany's sensational flick, to see her go equal top of the leading goal scorer rankings.

As both sides fought to take the lead, the momentum quickly shifted in Argentina's favour and before too long they found the match-winner.

Brisa Bruggesser's fine tap into the back right of the net finished a great piece of play by Argentina to take the lead. 

Australia picked up the pace through the second half, while goalkeeper Zoe Newman and the Hockeyroos defence were forced to save two penalty corners.

The Hockeyroos got close through Lucy Sharman and off a penalty corner in the fourth, but ultimately, the game would fall Argentina's way, ending their campaign at home on a high with a 2-1 win.

The Kookaburras and Hockeyroos have 24 hours to recover before a re-match against Belgium tomorrow morning at 9am and 11.30am AEDT, in what will be their last match of the stage.

Kookaburras v Argentina
Kookaburras: 0
Argentina: 1 (Bautista Capurro 32" (FG))

In Santiago del Estero, Argentina

Kookaburras: 5. Cooper Burns, 6. Anand Gupte (c), 7. Nathan Ephraums, 9. Liam Henderson, 12. Jed Snowden (gk), 15. Jayden Atkinson, 16. Tim Howard, 19. Craig Marais, 20. Ky Willott, 21. Jack Welch, 23. Hayden Beltz, 26. James Collins, 28. Ash Thomas (gk), 29. Tim Brand, 37. Tom Harvie, 51. Nathan Czinner, 53. Cambell Geddes, 61. Ben White

Hockeyroos v Argentina
Hockeyroos: 1 (Jade Smith 5" (FG))
Argentina: 2 (Agustina Gorzelany 6" (PC), Brisa Bruggesser 22" (FG))

In Santiago del Estero, Argentina

Hockeyroos: 3. Morgan Mathison, 5. Grace Young, 7. Aleisha Power (gk), 8. Maddi Brooks, 10. Abby Wilson, 12. Greta Hayes, 13. Hattie Shand, 16. Courtney Schonell, 17. Lucy Sharman, 18. Alana Kavanagh, 20. Karri Somerville, 21. Jade Smith, 24. Mariah Williams (c), 25. Zoe Newman (gk), 39. Ruby Harris, 40. Pippa Morgan, 73. Karissa Van der Wath