France’s World Cup play-off victory over the Republic of Ireland was laced with controversy, and Thierry Henry has confessed that his part in the decisive goal was indeed illegal.
Protecting a 1-0 advantage from the first leg of the tie, France fell behind to their guests in the first half when Robbie Keane side-footed home following a flowing move down the left. No more goals meant that the game went to extra-time.
As the midway point approached in the additional half hour, les Bleus snatched a decisive goal, William Gallas heading in from close range after Henry had knocked the ball across the six-yard box. The Irish protested furiously, adamant that the Barcelona man had handled the ball, and replays proved them to be correct.
Even Henry would admit his guilt after the match. “There was a hand, but I'm not the referee,” he told the press after the fixture. “‘Toto’ [Sebastien Squillaci] went up for the header. I was behind two Irishmen. The ball bounced and touched my hand, the referee didn't whistle and I played on, but of course it touched my hand.
“We're through and the fact we did it the hard way means we appreciate it all the more.”
Henry was also pleased to see former Arsenal team-mate Gallas on the end of his centre.
“We’ve known each other for a long time, we went to school together,” he said, according to France Football. “I don’t want to get nostalgic at this moment, but we have the same birthday and we went to Clairefontaine together.
“To combine together in this action, it was a great moment. It will go down in history, but the most important thing remains that we have qualified.”
The debate about Henry’s part in France’s strike continues to rage, with many people heavily critical of les Bleus’ record scorer.
Robin Bairner, Goal.com
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