Thierry has had two days sat with his advisors no doubt telling what to say (to try and limit the backlash) before that statement came out, it means nothing.

Even IF the French football federation (whatever they're called) come out and say in agreement with Henry and the entire Irish camp that a replay would be the fairest option, i cannot see any way that FIFA would grant a replay.

There's no way FIFA will replay it, not in a million years. It's not in thier best interests.

What they might do is introduce a video referee into the game, they can no longer sit back and say it is bad for the game after the injustice of the other night.

There's that which is a valid point, but then there's the other side of the argument, which is are they prepared to stop the game every time an incident happens that is remotely doubtful? It's easier in other sports because they tend to stop themselves anyway. Like in between tackles at Rugby or between each ball in Cricket, but football is probably the most fluid sport that doesn't necessarily stop often. Maybe if they only introduced it for incidents that directly affect a goal?

Yeah that's what i think. Goal/goal-line decisions. It won't take much, just give the fourth official a monitor.
Football needs to move with the times and embrace the technology available.

Just allow 1, 2 or max 3 calls for video to each coach and that's it, I say. Also add a human ref behind each goal.


Ponrauil

Blackburn Rovers through to the next round of the Carling Cup after beating chelsea on penalties! Never though we'd beat em, but there ya go. Villa next in the semi finals. Come on you blues!!!! ;)

There was only one team who looked like they wanted to win in the Blackburn/Chelsea game. I think Chelsea underestimated them, Blackburn deserved the win.

Can't wait for the semi's! Well chuffed about getting Blackburn, but importantly i'm happy that we've got the second leg at Villa Park!

So here's the draw for the next WC in South Africa:


GROUP A

1. South Africa 2. Mexico 3. Uruguay 4. France


GROUP B

1. Argentina 2. Nigeria 3. South Korea 4. Greece


GROUP C

1. England 2. United States 3. Algeria 4. Slovenia


GROUP D

1. Germany 2. Australia 3. Serbia 4. Ghana


GROUP E

1. Netherlands 2. Denmark 3. Japan 4. Cameroon


GROUP F

1. Italy 2. Paraguay 3. New Zealand 4. Slovakia


GROUP G

1. Brazil 2. North Korea 3. Ivory Coast 4. Portugal


GROUP H

1. Spain 2. Switzerland 3. Honduras 4. Chile


So? Pretty cool draw for the big teams except maybe group G where North Korea will be in for a treat while Brazil, Portugal and Ivory Coast fight for the top two places.

What are your country's chances iyo?

As far as France is concerned, they should take first place of their group, if only to get their qualifcation drama out of their minds... Mexico and Uruguay are always tough to play though, and South Africa even if pretty weak are at home so surprises could happen. I think France and Mexico will go through.

Maybe the coolest mod on earth will make this the opening post of a sticky WC thread... just sayin' :)


Ponrauil

My bets on qualifiers from those groups...

Group A
Uruguay and France

Group B
South Korea and Greece

Group C
England and USA

Group D
Germany and Serbia

Group E
Netherlands and Cameroon

Group F
Italy and Paraguay

Group G
Brazil and Ivory Coast

Group H
Spain and Chile

I think Group B is only slightly less daunting than Group G tbh despite Argentina looking a mere shadow of their teams of old.

Some very good teams in there, although it's strange not seeing the likes of the Czech Republic or Croatia in the mix!

I'm quite pleased with England's group so fingers crossed we'll make it through to the knock-out rounds without any major drama... hang on a sec, this is England we're talking about - drama is the twelfth man! :D

Another poor performance from Liverpool.

We played much better once Riera went off. Shame that the ball bobbled and Ngog hit the bar. He's getting stick for that, but there was nothing much he could do.

Gerrard was non-existant, again. He doesn't look the same player this season. Fair enough, he's had his fair share of injuries, but before they all happened, he looked awful.