The phrase “hand of God” will never have the same meaning again in Ireland after tonight’s World Cup play-off. Thierry Henry used his left mitt to pass the ball to William Gallas for France’s equalizer in extra time, putting them through to South Africa 2-1 on aggregate.It wasn't quite as blatant as Maradona's goal against England in the World Cup which, of course, provoked similar outrage about unsporting behaviour throughout Ireland in 1986.
But Henry's sleight of hand was a slap in the face for the Republic, who were easily the better team on the night, and can justifiably consider themselves hard done-by. Robbie Keane’s goal was excellent, and both he and Damian Duff had chances to wrap it up shortly afterwards. It will remain one of those "what ifs?", unfortunately.
But all the Irish players can have good reason to be proud of their performance, and have nothing to be ashamed of. Isn't that right Thierry?
World football is the nearest I get to being patriotic. Aussi Malade comme un perroquet.
You Tube video, Thierry Henry handball
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17 comments:
"It wasn't quite as blatant as Maradona's goal against England in the World Cup which, of course, provoked similar outrage about unsporting behaviour throughout Ireland in 1986."
yeah right! You'll have me weeping for Diana next!
Hi GM,
wasn't it you telling me that Ireland would have no chance? ;-) I'd say the were the way better team, but what will you do if a Referee doesn't see things like this ...
In German Television they said "Ireland is the WC-Participant of the hearts" whatever that means ...
Sad but true ...
But at the end of the day it's still only a game ...
and by the way: The video doesn't work. Copyright Claim ...
Yes, Harald, that was me alright. ;-)
Thanks for tip about video. Put a new one up, but obviously someone from Sportfive trawling the web looking to pull them. We'll see how long it lasts.
I'm in France right now GM - under deep cover in the Auvergne. Just say the word and I can be on a TGV to Paris and at Thierry's place by apertif time ce soir to sort him out. Try Parrotscetamol for your malade m'lud ha ha - ponyboy (got to stop this morning tipple lark)
Ha. Parrotcetamol - love it. That's a very tempting offer, PB! (re the TGV).
I can see you rushing for the Kleenex, Ella.
Maybe we should all sign here?
http://www.gopetition.com/online/32214/sign.html#se
We should have had it wrapped up before full-time, Keane, Duff and O'Shea all missed really good chances. There's no chance of FIFA ordering a replay. Hope Sarkozy tells Cowen that he's a sack of merde...
Maybe Cowen is confusing things with a provincial Gah match or something?
The replay talk is a diversion, and I'm sure he knows nothing about football anyway. Football as it's known throughout the world - except the US - that is.
The referee's decision is final... bad or not. And yes, we are stuck with it :-(
"The referee's decision is final... bad or not. And yes, we are stuck with it :-("
But surely in these days of instant cctv replay and whatever, shouldn't there be something in position to show the ref he has made a mistake if he has, or even over rule him?
I personally don't like football in any form, I'm not a sporting person, but I do believe that these days when it is simple to capture everything that goes on, that information/technology should be used.
Maradona's so called 'hand ball' was a horse of a different colour entirely. He ran from mid field then set up a fantastic one-on-one with a goal keeper who was 12" taller and still managed to beat him to it. If the England goalkeeper had played the ball instead of the man he might even have stopped it.
@ Lew. Yes, they should have technical assistance as they do in rugby. At the moment that seems too big a leap for FIFA though.
@ Anon, ah yes - but Maradona didn't do it with Henry's sublime Gallic flair! Ooh la la.
Soccer fans who complain need to remember the history and purpose of soccer. The game is a chance for the unwashed masses to have some sport, thanks to the good offices of their betters. It is not just about kicking a ball, it is also about learning important lessons like not questioning authority and acceptiong injustice as part of your lowly existance.
Someone better tell the football casuals and hooligans that bit about not questioning authority.
Its just a game get over it.
True... but it's the biggest game in the world and one that arouses great passion. Remember Colombian international Andreas Escobar? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andr%C3%A9s_Escobar
There's been a lot of comment here too with regard to how Ireland's dismissal from the World Cup will adversely affect the economy - remember the boost WC qualififation provided in the past?
Bottom line though: I've been following football since I was 8 years old and can never remember a match being replayed because of a referee getting a decision wrong.
We just have to get on with it.
"Hand of Frog" is the right term. "Hand of God". Hello?
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