France’s finals fate out of their hands

THE Republic of Ireland may not be in South Africa but supporters of the Boys in Green will have savoured France’s defeat to Mexico last night, a result that leaves Raymond Domenech’s side staring at the prospect of saying an early ‘au revoir’ to the 2010 World Cup.

Few will shed any tears at their current plight. To add to the delight of those of a bitter disposition, there was more than a hint of controversy about the second-half goal that put Mexico on the road to victory last night.

New Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez, a second-half sub, looked suspiciously close to being offside when he enhanced his burgeoning reputation by racing on to Rafael Marquez’s pass, rounding goalkeeper Hugo Lloris and coolly slotting home at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.