It's half time, and I have to say Ireland look more composed than France. Suddenly, after a beautifully-worked goal between Kilbane, Duff and Keane, everything is level and the French are on the back foot, their away goal in Dublin neutralised.
This is not what we expected, or at least, it isn't what I thought would happen, though of course I'm not famed for my knowledge of soccer. (Or anything else for that matter).
Nobody can tell how the second half will develop, but I hope Ireland keep playing this open, creative football and don't retreat into another defensive shell that might be prised open in the final disastrous minute.
I hope Ireland get up and run at the French. Right now,the home team are looking weaker and for once Ireland are outplaying the opposition. No need to fear these French guys. They look demoralised and uncertain.
Let's see what happens.
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Shit! One-all. Extra time. Who would have seen it coming?
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Restart: Thierry Henry scores by cheating. 1-1.
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I'm watching, I'm hoping, and for one awfie moment I even started to pray!
Say it ain't so!
Robbed…. cheated and robbed. A hollow victory for the French, and total devastation for the lads. They'll be arguing this game for years to come.
Well it does help when the referee and F.I.F.A. are wearing blue kit. But who has forgotten Maradonna and the “hand of God” incident many years ago? The French will live with “win” for a very long time
Fuckit! All out for a pint, and a piss behind The Holy Door!
What a gut-wreching way to be dumped out of the WC… In other news, whilst not as shocking as Henry's handball, here's a pretty shocking article showing how much money you could have lost betting on this game even if you won your bet: http://bit.ly/2DWSvR – it's from the Right2Bet campaign and it shows how EU gambling law and protectionism is taking money out of peoples' pockets and placing it squarely in government coffers! Sign the Right2Bet petition to tackle this injustice… it really does beggar belief!
Jon
Terrible luck for the Irish. The French's participation in the World Cup will be very tainted.
It will. You're right.