mixed fortunes for world cup bhoys

David Friel
GEORGIOS SAMARAS was in World Cup dreamland last night but there was agony for Aiden McGeady as the Republic of Ireland were controversially knocked out by France.

Hoops striker Samaras claimed a wonderful assist in Greece’s 1-0 win over Ukraine in Donetsk. He swivelled 50 yards from goal and played a sublime pass into the path of Demetris Salpingidis, who finished superbly.

Ukraine, needing two goals to qualify, pressed Greece but Otto Rehhagel’s side comfortably held on to qualify for their first finals since 1994 – and reach the World Cup for only the second time in their history.

However, McGeady won’t be on the plane to South Africa after a blatant handball by Thierry Henry helped France to a 1-1 draw in Paris, and sent the 1998 winners through 2-1 on aggregate.

Robbie Keane had given Ireland a deserved lead before half-time and the Irish had two great chances to win it before the game entered extra-time. With penalties looming, Henry handled a free-kick not once, but twice, to tee up William Gallas for the winner.

McGeady was introduced for the second period of extra-time but could not conjure up another goal for the Irish, who were left feeling robbed as they exited the World Cup in the cruellest of fashions.

With the qualifiers over, Celtic could now have six representatives in next summer’s World Cup – with Samaras, Australia’s Scott McDonald, New Zealand’s Chris Killen, Germany’s Andy Hinkel, Holland’s Glenn Loovens and Cameroon’s Landry NGuemo all in contention for the trip to South Africa.