Irish fans eye revenge against France
AFP
AFP, LYON: Both the Republic of Ireland and France camps have played down Thierry Henrys infamous handball, but Irish fans will be hoping for revenge in Sundays Euro 2016 last 16 clash.
It was at the Stade de France in Paris on November 18, 2009 that Henry used his hand twice to control the ball in the buildup to William Gallas late goal.
The incident, dubbed Le Hand of God, helped seal Frances 2-1 aggregate win and left Irish fans feeling robbed of a 2010 World Cup place. Both squads still contain players who were involved that night.
Frances goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, defenders Bacary Sagna and Patrice Evra and striker Andre-Pierre Gignac all started, while Moussa Sissoko and goalkeeper Steve Mandanda were unused substitutes.
For the Irish, Shay Given, John OShea, Glenn Whelan and Robbie Keane started the match, while Aiden McGeady came on in extra-time.
Both teams have claimed that the incident six years ago will have little bearing on Sundays tie in Lyon. A lot of water has gone under the bridge since then, said Frances assistant coach Guy Stephan.
Of course we have discussed it, but I honestly dont think it will impact on the game. Irish boss Martin ONeill took a similar line, but admitted his sides Green Army of supporters want revenge.
I think we have decided to forget about it thats something coming from Ireland, the Ireland boss said. It will be a talking point obviously, but I dont think it will concern us when we play the game.
The Irish have a few injury concerns. Full-back Stephen Ward has an ankle injury from the 1-0 win over Italy that earned the last-16 berth and sat out Fridays training.
Jon Walters has a sore Achilles tendon, but ran out with the team. Robbie Brady wrote himself into Irish football folklore with the headed winner in the victory over Italy, the 24-year-olds late effort sparking wild scenes of celebration in the stadium and at home.
It makes me feel proud of where we come from and (for me) just to be a little part of the history of that is unbelievable, said the Norwich City midfielder.
But Irelands assistant coach Roy Keane says his team will have to match their performance against Italy if they are to knock out the host nation at the Stade de Lyon.
If they perform the way they did the other night, well give ourselves a chance, said the ex-Manchester United midfielder Keane. We were in there fighting, but we need energy.
We need to close people down, win the ball back and when we do get it back, we need to take care of it.
The prize on offer for the winner is a quarter-final against England or Iceland, who play on Monday. France coach Didier Deschamps has been given food for thought in midfield.
A purposeful display in the goalless draw with Switzerland means Newcastle United midfielder Sissoko is pushing to keep his place at Blaise Matuidis expense.
Despite a low-key start to Euro 2016, Juventus Paul Pogba was one of the few French stars to shine against the Swiss as he hit the woodwork twice. The profile of West Ham forward Dimitri Payet has gone through the roof in his host country, thanks to his goals in the wins over Romania and Albania.
