Ireland showed the same composure and confidence in possession as they had done in the win over Belgium but found the Argentinian defence tougher to create chances against.
Daragh Walsh was looking dangerous and forced a first quarter penalty corner but then saw his shot hit a team-mates’ foot.
At the other end goalkeeper Jamie Carr was making the most of his opportunity, making a number of good stops.
It looked like the first half would end scoreless until the final few seconds.
A defensive error allowed Martinez an opportunity to shoot and the ball went off the crossbar and into the net.
It was the perfect time to score for Argentina, who where beginning to look frustrated at being unable to break down the well-marshalled Irish defence.
Johnny McKee missed a chance to equalise for Ireland early in the third quarter and Argentina doubled the lead soon after.
A long ball into the circle from the right touchline was missed by the Irish defence and Martinez was loitering at the back post to score.
A third goal in the opening stages of the final quarter killed the game as a contest as Capurro scored.
However Ireland never gave up and forced three penalty corners in quick succession and it proved third time lucky when Madeley’s flick hit the backboard for a well deserved consolation goal.