The Hockeyroos have missed out on their dream of making another World Cup final after their improbable run to the semis was sunk by a late goal in a 1-0 defeat to Argentina.

Australia’s hockey women, hoping to make it to the final for the first time in 12 years, were sunk by a fourth-quarter penalty corner from Julieta Jankunas in the 47th minute of their last-four clash in Wavre, Belgium.

The world’s number two-ranked team met Australia as rain fell steadily in the early hours of Friday morning AWST.

Nothing separated the teams in the first three quarters. Grace Stewart had a close-range chance saved and Valentina Raposo’s corner chance was brilliantly stopped by Jocelyn Bartram.

The rain ebbed, but the intensity of the game was unremitting as the last quarter began.

Early in the last period, Argentina won their third penalty corner of the game and finally from the resulting repeats, a clever variation was successful from close range when Julieta Jankunas found the back of the net.

With 13 minutes to play, the Australians redoubled their efforts and while Argentina defended grimly, eventually Australia won their 2nd and 3rd penalty corners. Shots by Claire Cowell and Tatum Stewart were saved by Cristina Cosentino who, like Jocelyn Bartram, played superbly.

Australia withdrew their goalkeeper and continued to pressure and, with 17 seconds remaining, a diving Stewart seemed to touch a ball that ended in the goal.

However, the Australian captain did not celebrate, and on review the goal was disallowed. With five seconds left, another Australian scramble in the scoring circle appeared to yield another corner chance. However, it was not to be, and Argentina had survived a torrid period at the end of the game, winning 1-0.

For Australia, none were better than Amy Lawton and Kaitlin Nobbs while Steph Kershaw was always dangerous and Grace Young very courageous. In goal, Bartram was very good and only beaten by a deflection from close range.

Earlier in the day, the Netherlands defeated Belgium 1-0 in Amsterdam when a goalkeeping error rewarded the Dutch and a controversial umpiring overrule took a goal off Belgium four minutes from the end.

Argentina will meet the Netherlands for gold on Saturday and the Hockeyroos will clash with Belgium for a bronze medal.