Following the controversial decision to allow France’s goal to stand as Thierry Henry clearly handled the ball prior to assisting William Gallas, it is only normal to have increased complaints and ever growing displeasure at the level of refereeing. Some may attribute this to a conspiracy which necessitates the presence of France in South Africa 2010 at the expense of the Irish.

Others will point to the hotly contested Egypt versus Algeria play-off match which took place in Sudan (Egypt’s preferred location) and not Tunisia (location chosen by the Algerians) after controversial pre-match incidents when the two sides met in Cairo over the weekend. Algeria’s bus was subjected to rough treatment to say the least and under other circumstances the match would have been postponed or Egypt would have been forced to forfeit the match if proof of injury was given. In either case, the match went on and the Egyptians, with some claiming they were favoured by FIFA, succeeded in getting the necessary 2-0 win to force a play-off match. Obviously, the match in Sudan ended in Algeria’s favour to dispel any claims that FIFA was going to have the Egyptians in next summer’s World Cup.

Going back to the important point about key refereeing decisions, the error made yesterday was obvious since Henry blatantly handled the ball and it is hard to believe the linesman could not spot that infringement. However, if one is to look at this Youtube.com clip featuring some unacceptable and appalling behaviour from a female athlete during a college soccer game in the United States, it is unbelievable how she managed not to get sent-off on at least five of those violent occasions. It is inconceivable to think that a referee, at any level, cannot notice such abuse inflicted by this supposed sportswoman on the opponent’s players.

In addition, how far has football and sports in general deteriorated and taken a step back at the expense of achieving success on the pitch, satisfying hungry sponsors or feeding the deeper pockets? Even at the amateur level where sportsmanship should be engraved and highlighted, this case, despite being quite unique with this particular female player endangering the career and well-being of her opponents, shows that some would go quite far to achieve success and/or their objective at any expense.

No one is comparing Henry to this female because he does not have the reputation of a dirty player but what happened against Ireland may have earned him the reputation of a cheat. Earlier this season there were different incidents involving two Premier League players though the circumstances were quite different. In one case, Emmanuel Adebayor was involved in two ugly and controversial incidents in the clash against his former team Arsenal. Adebayor ran the length of the pitch to celebrate in front of the Arsenal fans after scoring for Manchester City and he also stamped on Robin van Persie’s head. Indeed, football has become a highly charged profession but what excuses Adebayor’s unacceptable behaviour as a professional who gets paid ridiculous sums to perform for the public?

In the second situation, Arsenal’s Croatian player Eduardo da Silva was accused of simulation in the Champions League when he won a penalty against Celtic. Since that incident, doubts have surfaced whenever Eduardo fell in the penalty area. There is no guarantee that players from opposing sides will begin to feel suspicious whenever Henry takes a dive or does something they deem inappropriate. Henry may have helped France qualify but he did damage his reputation along the way.

Have a look at the clip and decide for yourself! Sometimes decisions are really down to mistakes done by referees in a split-second but this goes beyond any comprehension of the basic rules of officiating.

The first legs of the European World Cup play-offs took place yesterday (Saturday) and Russia, Portugal and France all take slender advantages into their second legs.

Portugal managed to beat Bosnia-Herzegovina 1-0 in Lisbon in their first leg.  With Cristiano Ronaldo ruled out of the tie through injury the Portuguese had to rely on the likes of Simao Sabrosa, Liedson and Deco for their creative spark but all three were guilt of below-par performances.  It was Manchester United winger Nani who created the spark for Portugal’s only goal – his cross was headed home by Bruno Alves in the 31st minute. 

Before the home side opened the scoring Bosnia had been happy to defend but after going behind they carved out some great chances and were unlucky not to level matters.  They rattled the woodwork four times in search of an equaliser and they should go into the second leg on home soil in full-confidence.

The stand-out tie when the fixtures were drawn was the Republic of Ireland’s play-off with France.  Last night’s game at Croke Park was a fairly cautious affair in all honesty with the French dominating possession though chances for both sides were few and far between.  The Irish nearly opened the scoring through Stoke City’s Liam Lawrence but his shot was diverted past the post after a crucial block from Patrice Evra.  The French managed to force a breakthrough in the second-half when Nicolas Anelka’s shot was deflected beyond Shay Given.  Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni remains confident his side can emerge victorious after the second leg in Paris on Wednesday but it will be a massive task for the Irish and the French have to be considered firm-favourites with their one goal advantage to reach the World Cup next summer.

Russia managed to take the advantage in their play-off with Slovenia by beating them 2-1 in Russia.  Everton winger Diniyar Bilyaletdinov got both goals for Russia who were made to work hard by the visitors. Slovenia managed to halve the deficit with just two minutes of normal time remaining thanks to substitute Nejc Pecnik who grabbed a vital away goal.  Pecnik’s strike does give Slovenia a great chance to cause an upset ahead of the second leg in Maribor.

The tie between Greece and the Ukraine in Athens ended goalless, meaning the Ukraine should probably now be considered favourites with home advantage for the second leg.  It was a tight affair between the two sides and despite good chances for Greece’s Theofanis Gekas and the Ukraine’s Ruslan Rotan neither side could break the deadlock. 

The second legs take place on Wednesday with France, Bosnia, Ukraine and Slovenia enjoying home advantage.

Written by Gareth Freeman, a sports writer promoting horse racing Ireland and the Grand National 2010 for Betfair.

The Republic of Ireland will take on France in the World Cup play-offs which commence next weekend in what will be an intriguing clash between the shrewd Italian coach Giovanni Trapattoni and the much-maligned French national team coach Raymond Domenech.

Trapattoni’s record speaks for itself with successful spells almost everywhere he coached yet his most notable job prior to taking over Ireland ended in miserable failure with the Azzurri. Trapattoni was unconvincing and seemed stuck in the past using tactics which did not suit the abilities of the Italian players at his disposal. However, since taking over Ireland’s coaching duties, he was able to create a solid unit as evidenced by the undefeated run in the group stage not to mention conceding just eight goals in the 10 matches played. Trapattoni’s most notable results came against his home country with Ireland snatching a 1-1 draw in Italy and wasting two points at home after a late Alberto Gilardino equaliser gave the Azzurri a share of the spoils in a feisty 2-2 encounter. He will be counting on ‘keeper Shay Given to try and keep a clean sheet in the first match in Ireland before traveling to France for the return clash.

While the schedule does not serve the Irish well, the absence of the likes of Franck Ribery (pictured above), Samir Nasri and Patrick Vieira as well as David Trezeguet will work in Trapattoni’s favour. Both Ribery and Nasri are out due to injury (Arsenal’s Nasri just returned but is not fully fit) while Vieira has been overlooked due to his limited appearances for club Internazionale. As for Trezeguet, the Juventus striker does not seem likely to feature again for Les Bleus as long as the bizarre Domenech is in charge of the national team. It is quite unfortunate considering the striker’s scoring record with both France and Juventus. Despite criticism of his shortcomings outside the box, Trezeguet has often delivered for the French, most notably when he scored the famous winner against the Italians in the Euro 2000 Final. Domenech and Trezeguet rarely saw eye to eye and the striker’s penalty miss during the World Cup in Germany against none other than the Azzurri may have set Domenech in his stubborn ways to overlook the goal poacher.

It will be crucial for the Irish to keep a clean sheet in the first match and travel to France without having conceded any goals. With the likes of Thierry Henry, Karim Benzema and Nicolas Anelka spearheading the attack, France will most likely be able to find the net when it hosts the Irish in the return leg on November 18. France won the World Cup in 1998, followed that up with a dramatic overtime win in Euro 2000 before stuttering in World Cup 2002, and then finished Runners-up to Italy in the culminating match of Zinedine Zidane’s illustrious career. It was a controversial loss for the French as the legendary Zidane was sent-off to undermine his country’s chances of winning after he had lifted the nation on his shoulders to Berlin.

Will an Italian stand in France’s way once again as Trapattoni’s charges take on France? The difference this time is that missing on South Africa 2010 will bring to an end a successful chapter in the history of Les Bleus. It may bring back unfortunate memories of the failure witnessed by the talented 1990s team which did not make it to USA 1994. That squad inlcuded the likes of David Ginola, Eric Cantona and Jean-Pierre Papin among others. Ireland will rely heavily on Shay Given, an organised defense and a hustling midfield as well as the striking instincts of Robbie Keane while the French will try to compensate for the absentees with Henry and Anelka (or Benzema) likely leading the line. At this point it will be unrealistic to predict the outcome knowing that Ribery will be dearly missed by the French as he plays a significant role in the team’s buildup and attacks.

Argentine ace and Barcelona star Lionel Messi has had quite a year.  After leading Barcelona to an unprecedented treble in the Champions League, La Liga and Copa del Ray he is now up for both the Ballon d’Or (European footballer of the year) and the equally prestigious FIFA World Player of the Year.

Last year Messi was beaten to both awards by Portuguese ace Cristiano Ronaldo, then at Manchester United.  Chosing between the two stars is an almost impossible task in all honesty but for me personally Messi just about edges it and he is the favourite for both awards this time round.  After playing a massive part in Barcelona’s success it would be scandalous if he didn’t win one of the awards, if not both.  Ronaldo may have made the mega-money move to Real Madrid and he too enjoyed a fantastic season, but perhaps not quite as fantastic as the campaign he enjoyed when he lifted both awards.

Anyway, here are the shortlists of nominations for both awards.

FIFA World Player of the Year (23 players):

Michael Ballack (Germany), Gianluigi Buffon (Italy), Iker Casillas (Spain), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal), Diego (Brazil), Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast),

Michael Essien (Ghana), Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon), Steven Gerrard (England), Thierry Henry (France), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Sweden), Andres Iniesta (Spain), Kaka (Brazil), Frank Lampard (England), Luis Fabiano (Brazil),

Lionel Messi (Argentina), Carles Puyol (Spain), Franck Ribery (France), Wayne Rooney (England), John Terry (England), Fernando Torres (Spain), David Villa (Spain), Xavi (Spain).

The Ballon d’Or (European footballer of the year – 30 players):

Fernando Torres (Liverpool), Diego Forlan (Atletico Madrid), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Ryan Giggs (Manchester United), Yoann Gourcuff (Bordeaux), Thierry Henry (Barcelona), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Barcelona),

Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Julio Cesar (Inter Milan), Kaka (Real Madrid), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), Maicon (Inter Milan), Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Luis Fabiano (Sevilla), Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), John Terry (Chelsea), Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United), David Villa (Valencia), Xavi (Barcelona),

Yaya Toure (Barcelona) Andrey Arshavin (Arsenal), Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid), Diego (Juventus), Didier Drogba (Chelsea), Edin Dzeko (Wolfsburg), Samuel Eto’o (Inter Milan), Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal).

The winner of the Ballon d’Or will be announced on December 1, while the winner of the FIFA World Player of the Year will be announced on December 21.

The majority of these players will be on display at next summer’s World Cup in South Africa.  The French contingent still have to get through a play-off with the Irish, which is by no means a done deal.  Portugal face the relatively unknown quantity of Bosnia-Herzegovina in their own play-off so Ronaldo may not make the tournament in South Africa if the Bosnians pull off an upset.  I wouldn’t dismiss Bosnia either in fairness, they have their own stars such as Edin Dzeko (a fellow Ballon d’Or nominee) amongst others and they will put up a decent fight.  Messi will certainly be at the tournament, and that can only be a good thing for the spectator.

Written by Gareth Freeman, a sports writer who provides World Cup 2010 betting news for Betfair.

The European World Cup play-offs were drawn today (October 19) and the Republic of Ireland have drawn 1998 winners France.  The Irish will have to beat the French if they are to make it to South Africa and the game should be a cracking occassion.

Of course the French are the favourites with the World Cup 2010 betting odds.  They have a wealth of talent including Barcelona ace Thierry Henry, Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka and Bayern Muncih’s highly coveted midfield star Franck Ribery.  However, the Irish should not be dismissed as an easy draw for the French and I imagine Les Bleus boss Raymond Domenech would have preffered one of the other lower ranked teams they could have drawn.  With the Irish racing into this fixture unbeaten in qualifying, including two draws against current world champions Italy, they are no pushovers and will be determined to spoil the French party.

It was a controversial decision by Fifa to seed the teams who made the play-offs in Europe.  I’m sure everyone is well aware of why they did this, the governing body didn’t want the likes of France and Portugal to meet in qualifying which would have meant players such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Thierry Henry would miss out next summer.  They’ve given the ‘bigger’ nations every chance to make it to South Africa with this seeding system but I’m confident that under Giovanni Trapattoni the Irish can upset the French – but it will be a massive effort.

Ireland’s stars such as keeper Shay Given, defenders Richard Dunne and John O’Shea, midfielders Stephen Hunt and Kevin Kilbane and strikers Robbie Keane and Kevin Doyle will have to be on the top of their game if they are to beat the French.  They also face the task of the second leg in France, which doesn’t make matters any easier, but in ‘Il Trap’ they have a master tactician in charge who has the ability to oversee an upset.

Obviously the French are the favourites and will probably emerge from the two-legged tie victorious but let us not dismiss the Irish threat.  Of all the play-offs this is the pick of the ties and a game I will be keeping a very close eye on when it comes around in November.

The four two-legged ties to be played on November 14 and 18 are:

Republic of Ireland v France

Portugal v Bosnia-Herzegovina

Greece v Ukraine

Russia v Slovenia

Ireland, Portugal, Greece and Russia will all play at home first, the winner of each tie will qualify for the World Cup.

The European nations who have already qualified are:

Denmark, Switzerland, Slovakia, Germany, Spain, England, Serbia, Italy and the Netherlands.