The middle of the line

… to be diddled in a vital game by a goal resulting from a hand ball.

The late French winner last night was, as many have noted, totally invalid. As well as Henry using his hand twice (and certainly deliberately the second time), he and another French player were off side.

Not that you can blame Henry for what happened – you play to the whistle and take the good fortune when it comes. But the Irish were definitely robbed last night – even if they did waste earlier chances to score a second goal and take the tie.