Ireland suffered the most cruel of World Cup exits

[dsanchez]

By Lyle Jackson

The Republic of Ireland suffered the most cruel of World Cup exits as France went through with a goal which should have been disallowed for handball. Thierry Henry clearly handled before playing the ball for William Gallas to score the equaliser which saw France win the play-off 2-1 on aggregate.

The Irish led from the 33rd minute after Republic skipper Robbie Keane shot past Hugo Lloris from 10 yards. But Giovanni Trapattoni's side went out to the controversial extra-time winner.

The debate will rage on about the goal which took France to the 2010 finals in South Africa and how the officials failed to spot such a blatant handball and it may well reignite the debate about goal-line technology.

After the anger about Fifa's decision to seed the play-offs, the Irish will feel robbed and unfairly treated when up against a bigger nation.

Republic players protested strongly when referee Martin Hansson gave the goal but the Swedish official was not going to change his mind.

It is hard to imagine a more heartbreaking end to Ireland's attempt to reach the finals after going through their group, which included champions Italy, unbeaten.

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http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/internationals/8367418.stm

France vs Ireland 1-1 18/11/2009