France to World Cup on disputed OT goal (AP)

Republic of Ireland's soccer coach Giovanni Trapattoni reacts during their World Cup qualifying playoff second leg soccer match against France at Stade de France, in Saint Denis, north outskirts of Paris, Wednesday Nov. 18, 2009.

France qualified for its fourth consecutive World Cup when officials missed an obvious hand ball by Thierry Henry that led to William Gallas’ overtime goal in a 1-1 tie against Ireland on Wednesday night. With help from Swedish referee Martin Hansson, who failed to call the hand ball, France avoided a penalty-kicks shootout and won the home-and-home, total-goals playoff 2-1.