Hand of God - part 2

Peter Cook best summed it up when in his 'football manager' character, "Football can be a cruel mistress."

Ireland's defeat last night to France is both tragic and, frankly, funny.

Tragic because it was harsh and cruel. England still moan about the 'hand of God goal', and that happened over 20 years ago. Hopefully the same thing - pointlessly pining for what might have been - won't happen to the Irish fans.

But it was funny as it highlighted the bizarre thought process - or lack of one - that footballers have. How often does a referee change such a big decision in a high level match - never; so why crowd round him and the assistant? Secondly, the French goal didn't actually change the Irish position, other than rule out a penalty shoot-out. At the start of extra time Ireland needed a goal to win. France scored. Ireland still needed a single goal win. It might be harsh - but they were virtually no worse off after the goal, and still had the full second period of extra time.

Football is a beautiful game - the beautiful game. Any game that produce a goal like this in a World Cup Final has to be.

There are no doubt some conspiracy theorists who reckon that as France are sponsored by Adidas - a FIFA partner - this was the result FIFA wanted. Farfetched - but football has an ugly side. Think not? Then read the excellent David Conn, Foul by Andrew Jennings, or the related Transparency in Sport website, and you'll see football's darker side.

Ireland should, and indeed have, been asking why the play offs were seeded rather than a straight draw? Linked to the fact that Portugal, France, Russia and Germany were all struggling to qualify for the World Cup Finals when the seeding idea was suddenly announced?

If you love football then ignore the glamour of the Premier and Champions Leagues - support a lower or non-league team. Ignore the big nations in the World Cup and get behind a minnow. Embrace New Zealand - OK their nickname of the All Whites may be a bit unfortunate given the host nation is South Africa, but they are a nation happy to have qualified and will have a blast.

They'll also probably hold England to a nil nil draw in the final group stage match when England need a win to get to the next stage!