Justin Timberlake

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!

QUALIFIERS

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Miami of Ohio was walking into a buzzsaw in their game against #4 Kentucky with their Coach Cal and their John Wall and their this and their that... But lo and behold, mighty Kentucky was down 18 points in the first half and looking stunned by Miami's long range prowess. But, as good teams often do, Kentucky battled back and, long story short, superstar recruit John Wall won the game with a last second jump shot.

After the game, Miami coach Charlie Coles was asked by a reporter how he let the game "get away from him."

Your toughts, Coach?

Kids, remember: The press conference meltdown is the reason why, in sports, the fun often begins after the game ends. Write that down. "You play to win the game!"

And how can we have a coach's meltdown post without the incomparable Bob Knight:

NEXT POST: What Animal Disguise Is It?

AP/YouTube

(See what I did there?)

Alright, I'm caving. This video has become a national news story here in the U.S., and given this site's international readership, I am compelled to ask what you all think of New Mexico defender #15. Full disclosure: Elizabeth Lambert (the star of this show) has been suspended indefinitely by her Conference.

General reaction seems to fall into the following categories:

Reaction 1: Horror (Sign up for the Facebook page)

Reaction 2: "Go girl" (Sign up for the Facebook page)

Reaction 3: Cat fight!

ESPN chimed in with a carefully-chosen, yet still a little patronizing: 'Feisty.'

Now I'm hearing that the BYU players weren't exactly acting like little angels themselves. If you look at that clip, let's be fair, BYU's #7 initiates contact with a chippy little elbow. Thing is, it was stealth and (dare I say) skill. Lambert then retaliates with (let's call it) 'an unproportional response.' Maybe her biggest sin was simply being too obvious? (Though, don't tell that to the refs, who were presumably busy doing something else while all this was going on.)

Personally, I'm thinking Lambert is just a classic case of an average player trying to get an edge any way she can -- even if it involves some occasional thuggery. You know, there was a time when teams in the NBA were celebrated for that kind of play, and a player with a similar sounding name built his reputation on playing the villain. And you better believe the opposing team thought twice before driving the lane on the Pistons of the early 80's. So, why is this different? Perhaps the above clip could benefit from some tough-sounding music.

So, what do we think? Elizabeth Lambert: Pariah? I'd want her on my team? Orrrr "yeye catfight!"

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