France sneak through to join World Cup heavyweights

France will now be viewed among the leading contenders to lift the World Cup following their controversial win over Ireland.

Barcelona star Thierry Henry kept the ball in play from Florent Malouda's ball to the far post before squaring it for William Gallas to head home during extra-time at the Stade de France to make it 1-1 on the night - a result that knocked the Irish out.

The game was delicately poised at that point after Robbie Keane's first-half opener saw Ireland level matters following Nicolas Anelka's deflected winner in the first leg of the play-off at Croke Park in Saturday.

The upshot is that France are through, however, and now the likes of world stars Henry, Karim Benzema, Anelka and Patrice Evra will get the chance to parade their skills on the biggest stage of all next summer.

Brazil, England, European champions Spain, Germany and Argentina are all among a group of countries expected to compete for the World Cup in South Africa but now 1998 champions France can be added to that list.

Punters wanting to use a free bet may want to back Les Bleus to go on and win the trophy.