by FRANCO PANIZO
Thierry Henry's handball heard around the world helped secure France's passage to the 2010 World Cup, but the French may not be through to South Africa yet.
The Irish federation has appealed Wednesday's night 1-1 result (2-1 aggregate advantage for France), and is demanding that France replay the second leg of the playoff. Ireland is claiming that if FIFA allows Les Bleus to clinch their World Cup berth off Henry's controversial play, where he handled the ball twice before assisting on William Gallas' goal, then it is encouraging cheating.
The Irish have also pointed out that in 2005 FIFA invalidated a World Cup qualifying result between Uzbekistan and Bahrain because of a critical referee error.
Here are more stories from Thursday:
Hiddink future unclear
Guus Hiddink failed to lead Russia to the 2010 World Cup, falling on aggregate to Slovenia, but the Dutchman is uncertain as to what the future holds for him.
Hiddink's contract with the Russian national team runs through July 2010, but he is unclear as to whether he will remain with the team after that. Hiddink, who succesfully filled in as Chelsea head coach last season, has been linked with a move back to the English Premier League.
Bellamy admits early retirement
Manchester City striker Craig Bellamy has had a plethora of injuries during his career, and he believes those nicks will force him to retire soon.
Bellamy, who is currently recovering from a groin injury, feels he only has one to two years left in his career, but he believes he is playing some of his best soccer ever and is enjoying every minute of it.
The 30-year-old has scored five goals and assisted on two others in league play for an improved Manchester City this season.
Euro 2012 seedings announced
The 2012 Euro Cup's seedings have been announced, and Spain, Germany, England and Croatia are among the teams in pot one. The full list of seedings for the tournament, which will be held in Ukraine and Poland, can be found here.
————-
Do you see FIFA granting Ireland a replay of the match? Are you hoping Hiddink leaves Russia? Surprised by Bellamy's retirement plan? Liking the seeding for Euro 2012?
Share your thoughts below.
Yeah!
Cuz our players are better than all of the confederations cup competition, it was the coaching that held us back!!!!
I read from someone’s FIFA bylaws quote, that any of the four officials can protest a goal.
Agreed, who was that first coach who thought, ‘defenders step up together before the ball is played, then wave at linesman’. Its like masturbation, it can’t be stopped.
RB,
Your logic is flawed. That would mean you could have coached the US to qualification. Hiddink, of course would be preferable but he’d have to be nuts to take this job, when he can have his pick of any job.
Bradley polished the turd that is the US player pool quite well. Get over it or apply for the job yourself.
I would bring him in now. It would be one thing if the team was set and well oiled. But there is not one position that is 100% settled except Howard.
If/when Jones and Edu are avail it gets shaken up more.
Bradley has not shown precedent in determining player selection and formations. That is in my opinion his weak spot.
Guus’ record speaks for itself. I bet you at least a half dozen confederations reach out to him.
Bradley was a good choice at the time and did well early in the cycle but this is a different game now and honestly he is in over his head.