The
World Cup qualifier, in France on Wednesday night, became more about a non-call
than about what happened in the game.
France
was playing Ireland for the right to go onto the World Cup, held in South
Africa next summer. The game was tied in the overtime period 1-1. Then,
french player Thierry Henry, used an obvious hand ball to set up the
game winning kick by William Gallas.
The
referee missed the hand ball, and allowed the goal. The overtime period
continued, but Ireland failed to score and lost the game. Not only did Ireland
lose the game, but because of the loss they wont be going to South Africa this
summer for the World Cup. With the french win, France advances to the World
Cup.
After
the game, Henry responded to the questions about the hand ball. "I will be
honest, it was a hand ball. But I'm not a ref," Henry said. Meanwhile, Ireland
coach Giovanni Trapattoni thought the referee should have asked Henry. " I'm
sure he would have admitted there was a hand ball."
After
the match, Ireland filed an official complaint to FIFA asking for a
replay of the match. FIFA received the complaint but denied it, and with
the ruling France is officially going to the World Cup next summer.
