Video: France 1 – Republic of Ireland 1 (FIFA World Cup Qualifier Playoff Highlights)

[digg=http://digg.com/soccer/France_1_Republic_of_Ireland_1_FIFA_World_Cup_Qualifier]France controversially qualified for FIFA World Cup 2010 last night at the Stade de France via a 1-1 tie with a spirited Republic of Ireland side. The result gave France an aggregate victory of 2-1 in the home and away playoff series.

Robbie Keane had tied the series in the 33rd minute with a well placed slot into the lower right corner of Hugo Lloirs’ net following a Damien Duff pass. Neither team was able to find a series winner in regulation time and the match headed to extra time. In the 103rd minute, William Gallas broke the deadlock by slotting in a Thierry Henry pass. Before making the pass, Henry clearly handled the ball. However, his infringement was not spotted by the match officials and the goal was allowed to stand.

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Scorers:
France: William Gallas 103
Ireland: Robbie Keane 33

Halftime: 0-1; After 90 minutes: 0-1; Attendance: 79,145

First leg: Ireland 0 France 1

Teams:
France: 1-Hugo Lloris; 2-Bacary Sagna, 5-William Gallas, 4-Julien Escude (17-Sebastien Squillaci 9), 13-Patrice Evra; 6-Lassana Diarra, 18-Alou Diarra; 9-Nicolas Anelka, 8-Yoann Gourcuff (15-Florent Malouda 87), 12-Thierry Henry; 11-Andre-Pierre Gignac (14-Sidney Govou 57)

Ireland: 1-Shay Given; 4-John 0’Shea (13-Paul McShane 66), 2-Sean St Ledger, 5-Richard Dunne, 3-Kevin Kilbane; 7-Liam Lawrence (12-Aiden McGeady 107), 6-Glenn Whelan (15-Darron Gibson 63), 8-Keith Andrews, 11-Damien Duff; 9-Kevin Doyle, 10-Robbie Keane.

Referee: Martin Hansson (Sweden)

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