Hockey Mens European Championships Ireland 1 France 4Ireland paid a heavy price for their demonstration of style over substance and failed to trouble a clever, simply-drilled French side in their fourth match of the European Championships. France won the match in the first half feeding off a couple of corners and a break.

John Clarke's side must win today's match against Belgium to keep alive any hopes of remaining in the premier division of the European Championships when the European Hockey Federation reduces it to eight teams this week. A draw would not be enough to secure fourth place in the pool and would see Ireland slip out of the rankings.

Having had good reason to believe France were beatable, Ireland dominated territory and possession but were timid around goal and lacked any real circle penetration. While Justin Sherriff converted one of Ireland's 10 corners to lead the tournament's scoring table with six goals, the side really needed a much higher return from their efforts. Ireland had one goal from 10, while France earned two corners and scored both.

Looking to construct a patient game and hold play as France pulled their team behind the ball and defended their danger zone, Ireland were suckered three times in the first half.

Frederic Soyez scooped in their first corner on 23 minutes before Frederic Boyer added their second from a counter-attack from Ireland's third corner on 29 minutes. Then on the stroke of half-time Soyez roofed their second corner for 3-0.

"I'm disappointed we conceded open-play goals," said Clarke. "We knew France would play like that, half court. We're used to that. We've no excuses."

Sherriff and Louis Verrier cancelled each other out with second-half goals leaving Ireland with three defeats and a win from four games and with a minus-five goal difference.

Ireland (v France): N Henderson, K Burns, P Brown, D Smyth, J Black, M Raphael, C Jackson, N Buttimer, G Elliott, J Sherriff, M Irwin. Rolling subs-S Butler, G Shaw, D Hobbs, J Jermyn.