By DPA,
Cape Town: Oscar-award-winning South African actress Charlize Theron put up another good performance when she pulled “Ireland” during a rehearsal for the World Cup draw on Friday, it emerged Wednesday.
The actress was pulling FIFA’s leg over Ireland’s failed bid to become the 33rd team at the 32-nation Cup.
Ireland had asked to be allowed participate after being ousted in the play-offs by France, which clinched its place with a goal from striker William Gallas after captain Thierry Henry had handled the ball.
Theron, who will co-host Friday’s draw with FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke, pulled the “Ireland” ball out of the bowl instead of France.
“Yes, she did, but it was only a joke,” Valcke confirmed to the Deutsche Presse-Agentur (DPA).
Friday’s draw will determine which teams will meet each other in the first round of the World Cup.