7 most memorable World Cup playoff ties

#4 Republic of Ireland vs. France, 2010 World Cup qualifiers

If Egypt vs. Algeria was the most heated rivalry going into the 2010 World Cup playoffs, coming out, the rivalry between France and the Republic of Ireland was practically an inferno. In perhaps the most controversial incident in UEFA World Cup qualifying, France ended up going to the tournament in South Africa after winning the tie 2-1 on aggregate. The offending incident came in the second leg, when the game was locked at 1-1 in extra-time.

France had beaten Ireland at Croke Park in the first leg 1-0, but a first-half goal from Robbie Keane in the Stade de France put the Irish back in the tie and with neither team able to score a winner, the game headed into extra time. With just minutes remaining in the first half, Florent Malouda played a free kick into the box, and Thierry Henry clearly handled the ball twice before passing to William Gallas, who tucked the ball home.

Somehow the referee failed to spot both infractions – as well as an offside in the build-up to the incident – and awarded the goal. Ireland were unable to find an equaliser – probably due to the feeling of injustice that the goal left – and France won out 2-1 winners on aggregate. Post-match, Henry admitted to handling the ball, while the referee refused any comment, although later on he admitted the mistake.

Despite appeals to FIFA from the FAI – including a request to replay the game, and a downright bizarre suggestion that they be allowed into the World Cup as a 33rd team – then-FIFA president Sepp Blatter shot them all down and Ireland were left licking their wounds while France headed to South Africa.