Victory Vs Virtue

Football World Cup 2010 qualifiers! A knock out game between 1998 WC champions France and unseeded yet brilliant Ireland. The winner gets coveted ticket to South Africa and be part of "once in a four year" opportunity – World Cup Finale. At the end of 90 minutes the aggregate score between the teams was 1-1. In this Ireland radiant match, the unbelievable happens during extra time. Theirry Henry – the lifeline of French Football handles the ball, leading to William Gallas’ goal, securing the slot for France in World Cup 2010. The act went unnoticed by match referee and the line umpire, but not from Irish Players, the media and millions of viewers across the globe. The referee then blew his final whistle not just for the match, but also for the gallant Ireland’s hopes reaching World Cup Finals. 

As expected there was huge outrage from Irish media and subtle defense from French camp. It’s evident that this will be marked as one of the dark moments in Football history. Well let’s look back at history! Who can forget the infamous Maradona quote “a little with head and little with Hand of GOD”. In 1986 football world cup, quarter finals between England and Argentina, England was on the receiving end from Maradona’s Hand of GOD bravura act, scoring a goal not only to win the match 2-1, but also the World Cup of 1986. He made us swallow “Righteous Prevails – is for losers” 

Henry and Maradona, two football legends, do not just believe in winning a match, but winning it at any cost. Everything is now fair in sports. On post match interview, Henry very easily shifted the onus onto match referee’s shoulders. There is neither conscience nor decorum in players anymore. 

It is unfortunate that young aspiring kids look up-to these successful professionals and learn these sleazy techniques only to improvise them in their time. 

Why not FIFA appoint a general body to monitor these malpractices and fine the player post match, issuing Red Card?

Copyright © Sivi 20-Nov-2009