France striker Thierry Henry has vehemently denied claims that he cheated to gain his side a crucial free-kick in the 3-1 World Cup second round win over Spain.

The Arsenal ace went down holding his face after a clash with Spain defender Carles Puyol eight minutes from time and Patrick Vieira headed home from the resulting free-kick to give France a crucial lead.

TV replays suggested that Henry had made a meal of the challenge, with Puyol making no contact with Henry's face, but the Frenchman has launched a strong defence of his actions.

He said: "I don't cheat. People can say whatever they want to say, but if any team has been cheated since the beginning of the tournament it's France.

"Look at the replay, their left-back was going to take the ball and Puyol came across me and blocked me.

"Puyol came up to me afterwards and apologised so how is that cheating? Spain's left-back Mariano Pernia was going to win the ball, so I don't know why Puyol cut across me, but he did.

"If that's basketball that's a good block, but we're not playing basketball. In my head I'm not a guy who does go down or cheats."