Blatant Henry Handball Lifts France past Ireland into World Cup

It is a play that will be talked about in soccer circles for ages.  It will go down in history.  A blatant handball from Thierry Henry helped him control a freekick before squaring the ball to William Gallas who knocked it home in the 104th minute of play breaking a 1-1 aggregate tie.  The result sends France to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and leaves Ireland to rue what could have been.

Down 1-0 after losing the opening leg in Dublin, the Irish came to Paris looking to get even.  A superb run and square ball from Damien Duff in the 32nd minute left Robbie Keane to finish giving Ireland the 1-0 lead and evening the playoff on aggregate.  France was booed off the field by the home fans as halftime arrived.

John O'Shea could have given Ireland the aggregate lead early in the 2nd half but his volley from close range went high.  Afterwards, France controlled most of the play for the second half as Ireland sat back and looked to counter, but neither side could find the goal as the game headed to extra time.

On the fateful play in overtime, Flourent Malouda sent a cross to the back post where Thierry Henry was making his run.  The ball bounced and went straight to Henry's hand which stopped the ball in a cupping motion before he crossed to Gallas for the goal.  Irish players and coaches went nuts and protested vehemently, but Swedish referee Martin Hansson waved away the protests.

France join Portugal, Slovenia and Greece as the final four squads from Europe to book their places in South Africa for next summer's World Cup.