If you haven't been living under a rock lately, you've come to know at least two things about football: 1) France will be going to South Africa; and 2) Thierry Henry's handball is what got them there.
This does not sit well with their Irish opponents, who have filed an official complaint with FIFA and are requesting a replay. The French FA has already rejected their appeal, so now it is up to FIFA to decide if a replay is warranted and/or possible. If Giovanni Trapattoni's opinion is taken as any indication, then the chances of FIFA reacting favorably to the Irish request are comparable to Nani's chances of being at Old Trafford beyond the end of the season in light of his recent criticism of SAF (a.k.a. slim to none).
As for the other issue (e.g. if Henry's reputation will suffer as a result of his handball), we'd like to think not. There are reports that some French are embarrassed about the means of their qualification, but was there any Argentinian blushing when one Diego Maradona fisted the ball into the net in the 1986 World Cup? Should the French go out and rub it in the faces of their Irish bretheren? Absolutely not. Should they cower in apology? No. Rather they should thank their lucky stars and remain humble. Refereeing mistakes happen, move on.
There is also a significant amount of criticism centered on the fact that Henry did not cop to the handball immediately and turn himself into the ref. That criticism makes as much sense as Sarah Palin's train of thought. Players are taught from a young age to play to the whistle. There was no whistle. Seriously, have you ever seen any player who was obviously off-sides or who blantantly committed a foul in the box before slotting home a winning goal stop, turn to the ref, and confess his sins so that his goal could be disallowed?? No. And you never will. Holding Henry to a standard that does not exist is absolutely ridiculous and reflects rage rather than reason.
Finally, this event should force FIFA to institute video replay, for if anyone is at fault here it is FIFA. Avoidable misfortunes like these should be avoided and will be if cameras are posted around the goal.
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