Zidane makes first European appearance since World Cup

MARSEILLE, France, Mar 20 (Reuters) Zinedine Zidane made his first appearance on a European pitch since retiring following last year's World Cup final in a charity game at Marseille's Stade Velodrome.

''The Match Against Poverty'', played under the aegis of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), was won 6-2 by Zidane and Friends against Ronaldo and Friends.

The former France playmaker and the AC Milan striker are both goodwill ambassadors for the UNDP.

''The message is that everyone can do something to make the world a better place,'' Zidane told a news conference ahead of the game yesterday.

Zidane and Friends opened the scoring in the 38th minute with an own goal by Sporting defender Ronny.

However, Ronaldo and Friends had the best opportunities in a dull first half with Brazilian Rivaldo hitting the bar twice in the opening 25 minutes.

Midfielder Anthony Sichi, who plays for Ligue 2 side Istres, doubled the tally after collecting a pass from French comic actor Djamel Debbouzze shortly before the hour mark.

Debbouzze made it three on 70 minutes after being set up by Zidane.

Spanish midfielder Gerard reduced the gap four minutes later but Javier Portillo, with a double, and Sami Al Jaber put the result beyond doubt moments later.

Sonny Anderson, who played for Monaco, Marseille and Lyon, scored his team's second.

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