9) Martin Hansson – France vs Republic of Ireland – 2009
The World Cup play-off decider could not have been more delicately balanced, with the heroic Irish holding France to a 1-1 draw in Paris and the tie all-square. And then a long free-kick into the area was blatantly handled – in two distinct movements – by France’s Thierry Henry, who then crossed for William Gallas to bundle home. Yet referee Martin Hansson failed to spot it, the goal was allowed to stand, and Ireland went out.