Republic of Ireland

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• Manager:Giovanni Trapattoni

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Trapattoni bitter after exit

19 Nov 2009 - 08:35:25

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Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni admitted his side's controversial World Cup play-off defeat had been hard to take.

After losing Saturday's first leg at Croke Park to France 1-0, Robbie Keane's goal in the second encounter forced the tie into extra-time.

It was then that Thierry Henry blatantly handled Florent Malouda's ball into the box before crossing for William Gallas to grab what proved to be the crucial goal that sent the 1998 World Cup winners to South Africa.

Trapattoni said: "I am not only disappointed, I am also sad. It is a bitter evening.

"It is a bitter situation. I would prefer to have gone out on penalties.

"I am sad because the referee had time to ask the linesman. I am sure he should have, and he could have confirmed it was handball.

"I am upset. We speak many times about fair play. I go to schools and speak about fair play. I speak with the young kids about sport. It's important in life.

"Everybody saw the game. You know what happened. France played well in Dublin, but we played better here.

"And over two games, we deserved to go to South Africa. But the result is different. We can only wish them well. They can do well in South Africa."