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England beat The Rest of the World 3-2 at Old Trafford yesterday in the 2016 Soccer Aid match. This game was such a success that it raised £5,391,398 in charity for the betterment of the underprivileged children around the world.
Old Trafford has not rocked so much in the last few seasons as it did yesterday as there were cheers and screams all around the stadium when Jermain Defoe scored the opening goal in the five-goal thriller that it turned out to be.
This match was also the first time incoming Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho entered the stadium as boss, where he was accompanied by his daughter.
The England XI consisted of famous personalities like Liam Horan and Louis Tomlinson from One Direction and footballers including Jermain Defoe, Robbie fowler, Jamie Carragher and Phil Neville to name a few. They were managed by current Sunderland boss Sam Allardyce.
The Rest of the World consisted of former legends like Ronaldinho, Cafu, Fabio Cannavaro, Edgar Davids, Jaap Stam, Dida and Sol Campbell among others. They were managed by current Premier League champions Leicester City’s boss Claudio Ranieri.
Although the game went till five goals, Premier League winner Ranieri couldn’t inspire his team to win the match as his side was beaten 3-2 by Big Sam’s side. TV Presenter Ben Shephard of England was sent off for two bookable challenges, leaving his side down to 10 men.
Below are the few noteworthy pictures from yesterday’s charity match:
1) Jamie Carragher floors Edgar Davids
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher had an excellent outing as he took on the likes of Ronaldinho, Cafu and Edgar Davids. In fact, the Englishman even managed to floor the former Juventus and Tottenham midfielder Davids, showing he’s still got in him.
2) Pele waves to the supporters
Pele waved to the supporters as he arrived at Old Trafford to grace the charity match with his presence. He was embraced by one and all, so much that Mourinho even invited the Brazilian to his new house in Manchester. Pele was invited as the guest of honour for the 10th Soccer Aid match to help Unicef raise funds.
3) Jose Mourinho takes to Old Trafford’s atmosphere
New Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho entered the stadium for the first time as manager. He was present in the director’s box to witness the thrilling game with his daughter. It was evident that he was enjoying his time as he was getting a hang of things to come in the future.
4) Jermain Defoe and Fabio Cannavaro in a tussle
Jermain Defoe and Fabio Cannavaro were involved in a tussle as the former Italian footballer showed the world that he still has it in him. Cannavaro was good in defence as he showed why he is only the third defender to have won the Ballon d'Or. Defoe had an excellent game as he scored the winner for his side.
5) Liam Horan and Louis Tomlinson show their footballing skills
Teenage heartthrobs and One Direction members, Liam Horan and Louis Tomlinson showed the world their footballing skills in the charity match as they played against and with the greatest of players in the world. They have also played in previous editions of the Soccer Aid match.
6) Claudio Ranieri embraces Brazil great Pele
Premier League winner Claudio Bravo embraced Brazil great Pele as he was getting ready to lead his Rest of the World XI to play against England XI. Although his team gave a brilliant and a fighting performance, they ended up on the losing side.
7) Sam Allardyce shows his wrestling moves
Sam Allardyce was in a playful mood as his side emerged victorious in the match against Rest of the World. He was in such a good mood that he even managed to pick up Louis Tomlinson in what looked like a wrestling move. After all, there’s a reason why he’s called Big Sam!
8) Former Brazil players Ronaldinho and Cafu get together after a long time
Ronaldinho and Cafu lined up together after years as they managed to wreak havoc to the English defence. The Brazilians were in sublime form as they ran up and down the pitch showing the young players that they can still offer so much. No wonder these players are footballing icons.
9) Dimitar Berbatov’s return to Old Trafford proved fruitful
Dimitar Berbatov returned to Old Trafford, a stadium he once he called home. The Bulgarian forward scored two goals including one penalty, although his efforts went in vain as his team lost to England. He was clinical and efficient in front of goal and caused problems to the English defence.
10) Peter Schmeichel presenting the man of the match award
Former Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel was present to hand in the man of the match award to English television and radio presenter Mark Wright, who had an excellent game. The former United goalkeeper recently saw his son Kasper Schmeichel lift the Premier League trophy with Leicester City.
