Vuvuzela South Africa

France captain Thierry Henry admitted he had handled the ball in the build-up to a controversial goal that sent France to the World Cup at the expense of Ireland on Wednesday.

Talk about Maradona’s  Hand of God, for the Boys from Ireland, this tragedy at the Stade de France will now be known as Henry’s Le Hand of God. After a thrilling performance by Ireland at the Stade de France, French Captain Thierry Henry’s hand was all that stood between the Republic of Ireland team and the 2010 World Cup South Africa.

Robbie Keane Scored for Ireland

Trapattoni’s Irish squad had forced the second leg of their playoff to extra time at the Stade de France after Robbie Keane’s 32nd minute opener levelled the tie after France’s 1-0 win in Dublin last Saturday.

But despite an overall dominant display by the visitors, their hopes were crushed when defender William Gallas scored from close range in the eighth minute of the first extra-time period to level the scores and send France on their way to South Africa.

The decisive pass had come from Henry, who had blatantly handled the ball a fraction of a second earlier to the right of Shay Given’s goal as the Irish fought to clear the ball.

Thierry Henry – Not His Decision

Thierry Henry said it was the referee’s job, not his to make the decision, not his!

And the Swedish Ref, Martin Hanson waved away Irish protests, which France coach Raymond Domenech would not be drawn on the issue.

Ireland are rightfully  devastated after missing out on the World Cup because of what coach Giovanni Trapattoni called a “great mistake” by Swedish referee Martin Hansson.

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