France cheat their way to world cup "Hands of God" Theiry Henry

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVxJbMTIzTU&amp;feature=player_embedded" target="_blank" class="aeva_link bbc_link new_win">VIDEO HQ -Thierry Henry Handball to Gallas for Goal Ireland vs France</a>

(AP) SAINT-DENIS, France -- France qualified for its fourth consecutive World Cup when officials missed an obvious hand ball by Thierry Henry that led to William Gallas' overtime goal in a 1-1 tie against Ireland on Wednesday night.

With help from Swedish referee Martin Hansson, who failed to call the hand ball, France avoided a penalty-kicks shootout and won the home-and-home, total-goals playoff 2-1. The French had come away with a 1-0 victory in Dublin last Saturday.

The game appeared headed to penalty kicks when Florent Malouda sent a free kick to Henry at the post to the right of goalkeeper Shay Given in the 103rd minute. Henry got between defender Paul McShane and Given, stopped the ball with his left hand, then used his hand again and poked the ball with his outstretched right foot in front of the net.

"He almost caught it and walked into the net with it," said Robbie Keane, who had put the Irish ahead in the 33rd minute.

Gallas headed the ball into the net from about 1 yard as Irish players raised their hands in protest at Hansson.

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Posted: at 19-11-2009 04:51 PM (14 years ago) | Addicted Hero

France committed the act but FIFA approved it. I think FIFA is d bigger cheat here.

Posted: at 19-11-2009 04:58 PM (14 years ago) | Upcoming

Politics is played in every sphere of life even the church!

Posted: at 19-11-2009 05:08 PM (14 years ago) | Upcoming

thatz no big deal ....... at least that what make it football ......abi unah want everything to be perfect.....? everything will be boring jor

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Posted: at 19-11-2009 06:15 PM (14 years ago) | Hero

I suggest that Fifa should be more technological just like our great country Nigeria........Joking

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Posted: at 19-11-2009 07:20 PM (14 years ago) | Upcoming

YOU PEOPLE KNOW THAT REFEREE CAN NOT SEE ALL THE THINGS THAT HAPPEN IN THE PITCH AT A TIME....SO  IRISH TEAM TAKE HEART 4 THE INCIDENCE >>>>>

Posted: at 19-11-2009 08:55 PM (14 years ago) | Gistmaniac

ok

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Posted: at 20-11-2009 09:19 AM (14 years ago) | Gistmaniac

i wonder ooohhhhh  ......  

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Posted: at 20-11-2009 01:49 PM (14 years ago) | Hero

Similar incidents like this have happened in football and FIFA have ordered for replays but sorry it aint gonna happen in this case cos Blatter and Platini are die hard french supporters. So sorry ireland una been get chances but una no fit score. France don qualify no doubt

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Posted: at 20-11-2009 06:25 PM (14 years ago) | Hero

Posted: at 20-11-2009 08:30 PM (14 years ago) | Hero