SOB STORY ... Robbie Keane consoles Keith Andrews
after the Republic's KO in Paris
Millions last night saw one of the world's most
famous players callously control the ball with his hand to rob the
Republic of Ireland of their rightful place in the World Cup
finals. It was as blatant as it was repulsive — and Henry is
certain to pay a heavy price for his moment of
insanity.
Instead of being fondly respected for his legendary
skills, the former Arsenal striker will be forever branded with the
one word that probably appals him more than any other.
Cheat.
Just like that other one — Diego Maradona.
Remember Maradona's infamous 'Hand of God' goal, which
knocked out England in Mexico in 1986? Of course you do. Well, this
was every bit as bad. Henry is now the cheat who has handed Les
Bleus a ticket to South Africa they did not deserve. And, because
of that, he is going to start hearing people say the words Maradona
and Henry in the same sentence — the World Cup cheats.
The Barcelona star clearly used his hand to control a
long free-kick in extra-time before squaring for William Gallas to
head in. Shay Given and his Irish team-mates all saw it. In fact,
everyone did apart from Swedish referee Martin Hansson, who was
chased all round the Stade de France, and the relevant
linesman.
Henry, though, shamelessly ran off to celebrate with
Gallas. Surely it is inconceivable he will be able to look at
himself in the mirror this morning.
Irish eyes will certainly not be smiling today, or any
time soon, and the bad taste will take a long time to go
away.
They have every right to feel robbed and this will go
down as one of the great travesties of international football.
France, not Ireland, will be in South Africa next
June - and unpopular French coach Raymond Domenech has probably
been saved from the guillotine.
Yet it should have been the magnificent Irish marching
through, after they dominated normal time and took a first-half
lead through Robbie Keane.
They will just be kicking themselves for wasting a host
of second-half chances to kill off the tie and kick out the 1998
winners. Keane, Damien Duff and John O'Shea all had golden
opportunities to book Ireland's ticket to the biggest show on
earth. But it was not to be and they crashed out in disgraceful
circumstances.
Ireland dampened the home team's confidence with an
impressive start, as Keane and Kevin Doyle missed early
opportunities. But the away goal the fabulous Ireland followers
dreamed of arrived on 33 minutes, after Kevin Kilbane - winning a
record-equalling 102nd cap — fed Duff down the left.
He pulled the ball back for Keane, who slotted past
Hugo Lloris to send Giovanni Trapattoni's men into wild
celebrations. The Tottenham hitman had promised there would be
another twist to the tale and things could have got better still
within a minute of the restart.
Liam Lawrence floated over a free-kick and full-back
O'Shea was left completely unmarked at the back post only to volley
over. Trap must have been wondering if his team would get a better
chance but they did when Duff was sent racing clear by Doyle.
The Fulham winger was clean through with just Lloris to
beat, yet the keeper saved with his legs and Ireland had wasted
another brilliant opening.
France broke quickly and Henry shook off Richard Dunne
before seeing his shot from a narrow angle saved by Given.
Soon after that, Nicolas Anelka glanced a header wide
from Bacary Sagna's cross. But Ireland threatened again as another
pass from Doyle put Keane away. He skipped round Lloris but his
touch was too heavy and he ran the ball behind.
Lassana Diarra then gifted Keane the ball in the 90th
minute, only for Ireland's skipper to blast his shot high over when
he had more time than he realised.
Into extra-time it went and, with the possibility of
penalties looming, France could well have been awarded a spot-kick.
Anelka raced clear down the right before seeming to be upended by
Given. Ref Hansson gave a goal-kick.
The French were furious but laughing their heads off
soon after as Hansson allowed the shocking decider to stand. Irish
stars like Duff were clearly distraught. And after that, Trap's
heroes had no way back.
RATINGS
FRANCE: Lloris 7, Sagna 6, Gallas 6,
Escude 5 (Squillaci 5), Evra 6, L Diarra 5, Gourcuff 5 (Malouda 5),
A Diarra 5, Henry 6, Anelka 6, Gignac 5 (Govou 6). Subs not used:
Mandanda, Lemy, Sissoko, Benzema. Booked:
Squillaci, Malouda.
REPUBLIC OR IRELAND: Given 8, O'Shea 7
(McShane 6), St Ledger 8, Dunne 8, Kilbane 7, Lawrence 8 (McGeady
6), Andrews 8, Whelan 7 (Gibson 6), Duff 8, Doyle 8, Keane 9. Subs
not used: Kelly, Murphy, Hunt, Best. Booked:
McShane, Kilbane.
REF: M Hansson (Swe) 5
