Henry hands it to France
Taking it to extra-time was a triumph but the Irish players will be devastated at having their World Cup dream stolen from them.
William Gallas is the man credited with notching the equaliser that put France ahead on aggregate but all credit must be given to Thierry Henry for the way he controlled the ball with his hand before squaring it to Gallas.
Two ex-Arsenal captains combined to give their nation a World Cup lifeline when they looked on the ropes but the Irish will be devastated.
Fifa have hardly covered themselves in glory for the way the rules about the play-off draw were changed and the fact that the referee missed such a blatant foul will only cause further anger amongst the smaller nations who feel they do not get a fair shake when it comes to playing the big boys.
That said, France were beginning to dominate and a goal was looking likely. However, there is a massive difference between losing to a well-crafted strike and losing a goal in such fashion.
It is a shame when a player of such sublime skill resorts to such a tactic but this is part of the reason why Henry is a winner.
Faced with a summer of sitting on the beach or making what could be his last hurrah on the major stage, Henry did what had to be done and gave his country what they craved the most.
It is also not the first time Henry has used the black arts of football to help his team out.
Thanks to chiquitibum
That goal, unsurprisingly, seemed to knock the stuffing out of the Irish side and another goal never looked like coming.
After such a dramatic qualification campaign where they remained unbeaten throughout the group stages, to lose out in such a sad manner is one of the most disappointing aspects.
Next summer, the French and the vast majority of the watching world will not remember how France qualified but you know the girls and boys in green will.
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Shame on Henry.
I think Mr Henry won’t have heard the last of this.
A lot less va-va-voom, a lot more boo-boo-booooooooooooooo.
Thanks for the comment Cliona, if you’re an Irish fan, hopefully you wont be too gutted for long….terrible way to lose out though