The Irish football association wants a replay. Thierry Henry thinks it would be the fairest option. Hell, even 82% of the French public said yes when polled about whether they think there should be a replay. Presumably the other 18% probably just feel sorry for the Irish and couldn't bear to see them sweat more blood, miss more golden opportunities and end up with nowt. Again.
But of course FIFA are licking their lips. The precious cargo of France and Portugal made it safely through the dicey playoffs. We'll all get to see Cristiano Ronaldo cry in South Africa. Of course that'll be after they eliminate England on penners and we all have to watch David Beckham and John Terry cry. Based on their performances over the past few years it will be a miracle if France even make it to a stage where crying would be acceptable. They might as well have just gone out to a "brave Irish side"® and sacked Domenech before what will surely be an embarrassing World Cup campaign. Seriously, their manager believes in horoscopes. It's the twenty first century and people still believe in that shit?
The only person making any sense amidst all the controversy is Ireland's manager Giovanni Trappatoni. As much as the majority of the footballing world would love to see a replay it would set a terrible precedent. Trap has rightly pointed this out in his post-match comments. Where would we draw the line? What about a missed penalty decision? A controversial sending off which could have just been a caution? A bad offsides call? There would end up more decisions off the pitch than on it.
Of course the easy solution is television replays. But that's not cool with the old school and plus it wouldn't leave us much to complain about. Every good story needs a villain.
