After containing the world champions to a 1-0 interval lead, Ireland were forced to yield to the superior technical touches of the Dutch Masters in the second half in what was an encouraging performance in Padova yesterday. "It was a big improvement after the horrendous game against France," said coach John Clarke. "We were well able to stretch Holland at times and got some shape into our play.

"The penalty corners we conceded were purely for technical offences. The defence was as good as I had hoped. A 3-0 margin would have been a further reflection of our efforts."

From just four short corners (to Ireland's two) the Dutch registered three of their goals. Bram Lomans scored with two direct flicks, one in the last minute, with Teun de Nooyer also finding the target following a set piece.

After admirable Irish defensive work, particularly by Alan Dowd, Errol Lutton and Paddy Brown, it was de Nooyer - put through by Marten Eikelboom - who opened the scoring in the 19th minute.

From an Irish short corner forced by Julian Stevenson just before the interval, Alistair Dunne's strike was parried by Roland Jansen, only for Stevenson to whisk the rebound over the bar.

Early in the second half, after Holland had gone two up through Lomans, a thrust by Dunne and Jason Black earned Ireland their second corner, but Lutton's shot was saved and Holland swept clear for Stephan Veen to make it 3-0.

In a promising passage of Irish play, Ivan Steen was sent clear by Mark Raphael but the shot was not lethal enough to beat Jansen.

Ireland take a rest today before taking on England tomorrow. Yesterday, England followed up their 71 defeat of Russia with a 4-1 win against France. The surprise of the day was Belgium's 5-3 victory over Spain.