The 2010 World Cup Qualifier between France and the Republic of Ireland will be remembered as the time France classified secondary to a handball by Thierry Henry. It is always unfortunate that most World Cups or qualifiers are remembered with events such as this one.
France won by an aggregate of 2-1 while the Republic of Ireland is asking for a rematch. The comparisons with Maradona’s «Hand of God» in the 1986 World Cup have been resonating through the football [soccer] world since the controversial victory.
David Ornstein of BBC Sports interviewed Lee Dixon and Emanuel Petit concerning what has occurred. The purpose of the interview was also to confirm or destroy the possible link between Henry and Maradona.
Lee Dixon made his declarations based on the comparisons between Henry’s Handball in the 2009 World Cup Qualification and the infamous «Hand of God» by Maradona during the 1986 World Cup in Mexico. Mr. Dixon talked about how he knew Henry from their days in the Arsenal FC.
He also continued by saying that Henry’s handball was a mistake since he wanted to play by the rules. Mr. Dixon also stated that Maradona’s «Hand Of God» in the 1986 World Cup was intentional and that Maradona knew that he violated a cardinal rule in football [soccer].
Emmanuel Petit stated that France wanted to win by the rules and was in agreement with the statements by Lee Dixon. Mr. Petit was the teammate of Henry at Arsenal and is currently in the same position in the French National Football [Soccer] Team.
It is impossible to ask for a rematch between the two countries since the decision of the referee is always final. Giovanni Trapatoni who is the manager for the Republic of Ireland Football [Soccer] team recognizes this even though he has submitted a complaint to FIFA.
While Henry may or may have not made a mistake or intentionally wanted to possess the ball with his hand, FIFA should investigate what has occurred by hearing all of the sides of the event. The Republic of Ireland did not deserve to lose the way it did. It is also hoped that FIFA judges on whether there was a handball or not.
The lesson to be learned is there should be ways to deal with the ball and the game in times of tense classifications.
El Noticiero de Alvarez Galloso 