Soccer Improved

Highlights from the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2011 Qualifier Russia v Spain in Bibione.
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Philippines (Azkals) vs Sri Lanka Sugathadasa Stadium Colombo, Sri Lanka 29 June, 2011 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Qualifier This is the post-match highlights from the broadcast.

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France qualified for the World Cup after beating the Republic of Ireland with an overall 2-1, with a draw in the second leg 1-1. The game took place in the Stade de France on Wednesday. The match took a dramatic turn when France, stuck behind Ireland 1-0 for most of the match, scored a questionable goal after an illicit move by Thierry Henry during the extra time. The game determined which team would enter the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, and Ireland entered with high hopes; the Republic hadn’t classified for the last World Cup, in Germany in 2004. Ireland lost the first leg of the matchup, held in Ireland, against France 1-0. The game moved to France; the team would have to win with a difference of 2 goals in order to classify, and the players almost did it – they had plenty of opportunities as the match unfolded, but the team could convert just one goal, not enough for them to win the game or qualify for South Africa. Ireland opened the score at minute 33, when Robbie Keane received a pass from Damien Duff. Keane shot the ball past French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris and hope bloomed for the Irish team and its fans. The Irish continued to struggle for the rest of the game; they saw opportunities, but they were unable to complete their plays, or else goalkeeper Lloris managed to save the ball. Keane was the most notable player of the night, weaving in and out of the field, struggling to complete plays, and attempting to increase the difference in the score. He seemed to have a clear shot when he entered the penalty area unchallenged, but instead of shooting the ball against Lloris, he made an extra touch the ball went out. The real controversy, though, came in during over time at minute 103, when the French team made a dubious goal helped by the hand of Thierry Henry. The striker admitted to controlling the ball with his hand before passing it to his teammate William Gallas, who, directly in front of him, sent the shot deep into Shay Givens’ arc. The action went unobserved by the referee, Martin Hanson, and his assistant, and so the goal was kept. The goal quickly destroy Irish hopes of being in the World Cup, a loss that was all the more difficult since the team saw itself as the better of the two during the match. France looked out of its depths during the competition, appearing nervous and lacking control over the ball, losing it frequently. They weren’t able to create as many opportunities as their Irish teammates, and worse, their final goal struck a sour note for many. Coach Giovanni Trapattoni for Ireland had to be calmed by officials when the game was over, upset at the injustice of the loss. “I’m not only disappointed tonight, I’m also very sad,” Coach Trapattoni said. “The referee should have asked Henry, I’m sure he would have admitted there was a handball.” It was a confusing night, but such is football; France is now celebrating their ticket to the World Cup, while the Irish still refuse to accept what happened in the game. Maybe next time, Ireland.

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