Dublin - Republic of Ireland player Damien Duff's tears summed up the mood of a nation Thursday after Irish hopes of qualifying for the football World Cup were dashed as a result of "handball" by French captain Thierry Henry.

Justice Minister Dermot Ahern lashed out at the international governing body of football, Fifa, after the Republic was cruelly "robbed" of their hopes for a place in next summer's World Cup finals in South Africa.

Henry admitted using his hand to control the ball in setting up the goal for teammate William Gallas.

"I did handle the ball, but I didn't do it on purpose," he said.

Ahern, a passionate soccer fan, called for Fifa to be called to account in the interests of fair play.

"They probably won't grant it as we are minnows in world football but let's put them on the spot," the minister said.

"It's the least we owe the thousands of devastated young fans around the country. Otherwise, if that result remains, it reinforces the view that if you cheat, you will win."

The Republic were widely praised as the better side over the two- leg play-off, which they lost 2-1 on aggregate.

Irish commentators also said officials missed an offside in the run-up to the winning goal.

"Thierry Henry has admitted handling the ball, claims he told the ref he handled it," the minister said.

"Millions of people worldwide saw it was a blatant double handball - not to mention a double offside - and we should put the powers that be in the cosy world of Fifa on the spot and demand a replay."

The Republic's assistant manager Liam Brady also backed calls for a replay.

"For the dignity and integrity of football, we will go to France and play again," the coach said.

"(Fifa president) Sepp Blatter goes on about fair play - let him reflect on what happened last night. Where is football going if a team is cheated out of fair play? Where are we going if this decision stands?"

Ireland coach Giovanni Trapattoni admitted Wednesday night he would rather have suffered the heartache of penalty shoot-out defeat than see the Republic of Ireland being dumped out by William Gallas' controversial winner.

Trapattoni said: "I am not only disappointed, I am also sad. It is a bitter evening. 'It's a bitter situation. I would prefer to have gone out on penalties.

"I am sad because the referee had time to ask the linesman. I am sure he should have, and he could have confirmed it was handball.

"I am upset. We speak many times about fair play. I go to schools and speak about fair play. I speak with the young kids about sport. It's important in life.

"Everybody saw the game. You know what happened," he added. (dpa)