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France Cheats On Way To World Cup?
- Author: Min-Q Kim
- Posted on: Thursday November 19, 2009 at 10:00 AM
- Filed under: sports, soccer, ireland, france, thierry henry, world cup, exclusive
2 comments
At times it feels soccer can unite or divide the world, more than politics or oil. (Remember when we reviewed author Franklin Foer's book "How Soccer Explains The World? It's a powerful sport...) Take France's World Cup saga - which is causing outrage across the soccer world. Ireland was eliminated from World Cup contention after France escaped with a 1-1 draw, and a 2-1 aggregate win against Ireland in Paris. But it is that final goal that is making waves, as French striker Thierry Henry clearly batted the ball down with his hand before passing to teammate William Gallas for the deciding goal.
He was also offside, but that seems besides the point.
Refs? Where were you?
French striker Henry has always been a good ballhandler. Zip!
Who thinks it was a handball?
"I will be honest, it was a handball," said striker Henry, "but I'm not the ref."
So... I guess that settles that.
Ireland has filed a protest, and is hoping to replay the game. God-speed Football Association of Ireland. But for now, the field for the 2010 World Cup is set. Apparently, the US qualified in October. Nobody tells me anything...
We'll see you in South Africa!
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COMMENTS
“Another "Hand of God", the touched ones Maradonna & Henry :P @ Games & Love everything could happen :D See u!!!”
“Such a cheater! Well that's expected from an ex-Arse player! "I will be honest, it was a handball," said striker Henry, "but I'm not the ref." ^ doesn't justify what you did just by admitting to it. If you're a decent player you'll stop the play and have the goal disallowed. Ireland deserved to go through, outplaying France the whole match! I really hope France will get knocked out in the first round!”
