A horrific call by an official who has made several in his career. Swedish newspapers (the officiating crew were Swedes) ran stories apologising to the Irish and denouncing the call and the referee. ("There are millions of Irishmen around the world hanging their heads today, but we hope that there are three Swedes who feel even more distraught")
What may be missed in North America is that Ireland is a minor player in world soccer, whereas France is a perpetual power. To have France advance to the World Cup on the basis of such a monumental screw up is significant, and several spokesmen for French soccer have expressed disappointment and a certain degree of shame, although not to the extent of being willing to replay the match of course. The notable exception to that lack of willingness to replay has been Henry, who not only admitted the foul at the time of the match, but has expressed dismay (while saying it was unintentional) and suggested a replay.
