Paddy Brown is captain of the Ireland side in the qualifiers

Jerome Truyens' ninth-minute penalty corner was enough to decide the match.

"We were really on top in the second half but just could not find that equaliser we deserved," said Irish manager Steven Hiles.

Ireland are fourth in their six-nation pool with matches against Egypt and favourites Pakistan remaining.

Dave Passmore's side trail leaders England by six points with only the top two going through to the semis, which guarantees participation in September's World Cup in Germany.

The best Ireland can hope for is to finish in the top four and take their chance in the play-offs for the one remaining qualification place.

The Irish take on Egypt on Monday with the final group game against Pakistan on Wednesday.