Ireland appealed to France and football authorities Thursday to replay their World Cup playoff in Paris after an obvious handball by Thierry Henry produced the winning goal.

France qualified for its fourth consecutive World Cup when officials missed a double handball by captain Thierry Henry that led to the extra-time goal in a 1-1 draw with Ireland on Wednesday.

Honduras' celebration of their World Cup qualification ended in disappointment with an own goal and a 2-1 defeat to Peru in a friendly on Wednesday.

Former Manchester United star and Danish international Jesper Olsen has signed on as an assistant coach with Australia's newest A-League team, officials said Wednesday.

David Beckham, booed on his return to the United States, has silenced his critics by helping the L.A Galaxy to the MLS Cup final, his coach Bruce Arena said on Tuesday.

Pablo Luguercio scored an early goal as Racing Club held on for a 1-0 win over Estudiantes La Plata on Monday in the Argentine Apertura tournament.

Debutant Switzerland was crowned Under-17 world champions here on Sunday when they defeated host and defending champion Nigeria 1-0 inside a packed Abuja National Stadium.

Struggling giants River Plate earned a rare victory in the Argentine championship on Sunday when they beat Atletico Tucuman 3-1.

France, Portugal and Russia all moved closer to next year's World Cup finals with first leg playoff wins on Saturday, although none of them did enough to take victory for granted in the second legs next week.

Chacarita Juniors midfielder Omar Zarif conceded a freak own goal to give Newell's Old Boys a 1-0 win Friday and top spot in Argentina's Apertura tournament.