Henry leaves French in tatters

A Frenchman ended France's hopes of winning the UEFA Cup. Arsenal's Thierry Henry struck the first blow that ended Racing Lens' dreams and sent the Gunners into a potentially explosive final against Turkish ground-breakers Galatasaray.

Manager Arsene Wenger was gushing in his praise for Henry after the 2-1 victory (3-1 on aggregate).

'I've always believed in Henry,' said Wenger, who discovered the French striker when coaching Monaco. 'He had all it took to succeed. Now he's full of confidence, he can score whenever he wants and from anywhere.' The French international, who has scored in his past eight matches, returned from a ban to smash in the vital first away goal in the 43rd minute.

After their lacklustre 1-0 victory at Highbury, when he was suspended, his strike made it mission impossible for the 1998 French champions, appearing in their first European semi-final.

'I feel we were far more convincing than in the first leg. My only regret is that we should have killed the match earlier,' said Henry, who also hit the post in the 49th minute and was a real danger throughout.

Lens president Gervais Martel also singled Henry out as the difference.

'It's a pity a Frenchman should have scored the goal that sank us,' he said.