ExtraFootie's Raj Mannick grabs a monocle, a dim reading light, and a copy of the rule book before bringing you all the action from an electrifying night in the World Cup play-offs, featuring immense controversy and heartbreak for Republic of Ireland, and a shock exit for Guus Hiddinks' Russia.

Game of the Night - With every other game ending 1-0, by comparison alone the game of the night was undoubtedly the 1-1 goal-fest played out between France and Ireland at the Stade de France.

One-nil down from the first leg, Ireland dominated the tie early on and were justly rewarded when Keane slotted in from Duff's cutback. However Doyle, Keane, and Duff were all guilty of squandering match-winning chances meaning the game went to extra-time with the aggregate score level at 1-1.

France had a penalty shout turned down as well as a goal rightly disallowed for offside, but the game changing moment came in the 103rd minute when a French free-kick was kept alive by Thierry Henry using his hand before squaring to Gallas to tap home the eventual winner. Compelling drama.

Performance of the Night - Portugal booked their spot in South Africa with a gritty and determined performance against Bosnia-Hercegovina in dreadful conditions in Zenica.

Carlos Queiroz's side had Raul Meireles to thank for grabbing the only goal of the game, but in reality Portugal could have had more and were content to keep the ball for long spells leaving Bosnia chasing shadows for much of the game.

Upset of the Night - When Guus Hiddink left Chelsea in the summer, his plan was to take Russia to the World Cup and go beyond the semi-final hurdle he has twice fallen at in the past.

Unfortunately for the Dutch tactician, his train was severely derailed by a courageous Slovenia side who qualify for only their second World Cup Finals.

Zlatko Dedic's goal in Maribor proved enough to earn a victory on the away goals rule in a game that saw two Russians sent off, one of them being Chelsea's Yuri Zhirkov.

Player of the Night - Ireland's Keith Andrews. The Blackburn midfielder covered every blade of grass to win his side the ball and provided outstanding service and support to the likes of Duff, Keane, and Lawrence to make things happen. Though he was not alone on the night, his monumental effort went above and beyond and deserved so much more.

Donkeys of the Night - Swedish referee Martin Hansson, and his team of visually impaired officials, whose failure to spot Henry's blatant handball unjustly saw Ireland dumped out of football's biggest competition.

Goal of the Night - The one-off play-off game between Egypt and Algeria was settled early on when Algeria's Antar Yahia sent a thumping volley crashing in off the crossbar from a tight angle - a poor man's remake of the Marco Van Basten Euro '88 classic, but a screamer nonetheless.

Talking Point of the Night - 'The Hand of Henry'. Barcelona striker Thierry Henry will dominate the headlines, but not for a trademark exotic finish, or for some 'Va Va Voom' footwork.

Oh no my friends, Henry will be remembered for his actions in extra-time which saw him spank the ball to keep it in play and cross for Gallas to tap in.

A goal that was veritably beyond the realm of honour, a grave injustice to a spirited Irish performance, and one that will fan the flames on the furious debate over the introduction (or lack of) video technology to the beautiful game.

After the game Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni said: "I would rather have lost on penalties than in such a manner." Losing on penalties or losing to a smug Frenchman throwing the ball to his petulent teammate to shoulder home?

I see what you mean Giovanni!