France recall 1998 triumph

PARIS – France, reeling from the shock of an early Euro 2008 exit, celebrated the 10th anniversary of their World Cup triumph with a commemorative game on Saturday between their former heroes and an international selection.

Ten years to the day after France stunned Brazil 3-0 to lift the World Cup for the first time, a packed Stade de France once again saluted the players who had conquered the world. Zinedine Zidane and guests drew 3-3 with an international team guided by Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger and featuring greats like Zvonimir Boban, Edgar Davids and Gianfranco Zola.Emilio Butragueno, the oldest player on the pitch at 45, scored the opener for the international side in the first half.Playmaker Zidane, who scored two first-half headers against Brazil in 1998, equalised in the second half before Pauleta volleyed home to put the visitors 2-1 ahead.Ludovic Giuly, not part of the winning ’98 team, got France level again before late goals from Davor Suker for Wenger’s side and Bernard Diomede for the French left the game all square.Nampa-AFPZinedine Zidane and guests drew 3-3 with an international team guided by Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger and featuring greats like Zvonimir Boban, Edgar Davids and Gianfranco Zola.Emilio Butragueno, the oldest player on the pitch at 45, scored the opener for the international side in the first half.Playmaker Zidane, who scored two first-half headers against Brazil in 1998, equalised in the second half before Pauleta volleyed home to put the visitors 2-1 ahead.Ludovic Giuly, not part of the winning ’98 team, got France level again before late goals from Davor Suker for Wenger’s side and Bernard Diomede for the French left the game all square.Nampa-AFP

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