UNICEF SOCCER AID CHARITY MATCH
June 6th saw the third UNICEF Soccer Aid event take place. Soccer Aid is the brainchild of Robbie Williams and Jonathan Wilkes and aims to raise funds for UNICEF UK through football matches between celebrities and football legends. Two teams compete; England vs The Rest of the World. England, lead by inspirational captain Robbie Williams, have won the event twice but failed to make it three from three as they went down in true England fashion – on penalties.
During the game – which was played at Old Trafford – viewers were shown short films with UNICEF Ambassadors detailing how the money that was raised will benefit children around the world. Soccer Aid has helped improve the lives of more than one million children since its inception in 2006.
This year’s teams consisted of many recognizable names from Hollywood to Manchester United itself. One of the most noticeable pairings was between ex -Real Madrid teammates Luis Figo and Zinedine Zidane.
The squads:
ENGLAND
Captain: Robbie Williams
Legends: David Seaman, Martin Keown, Alan Shearer, Jamie Redknapp, Teddy Sheringham and Nicky Butt
Stars: Jamie Theakston, Jonathan Wilkes, Ben Shephard, Bradley Walsh, Damian Lewis, Ricky Hatton, Danny Cipriani and Paddy McGuiness
Staff: Harry Redknapp (Manager), James Corden (Assistant Manager) and Bryan Robson (Coach)
REST OF THE WORLD
Captain: Michael Sheen
Legends: Zinedine Zidane, Luis Figo, Jens Lehmann, Ryan Giggs, Sami Hypia and Henrik Larsson
Stars: Mike Myers, Woody Harrelson, Simon Baker, Patrick Kielty, Nicky Byrne, Joe Calzaghe, Gordon Ramsay, Ronan Keating, Shane Filan, James Kyson Lee, Brian Lara and Gethin Jones
Staff:Kenny Dalglish (Manager), Ian Rush (Assistant Manager) and Eric Harrison (Coach)
Jamie Redknapp opened the scoring for England before Teddy Sheringham proved he still has a bit to offer. It looked smooth sailing for England before a quick comeback from The Rest of the World thanks to Joe Calzaghe and Sami Hypia. It ended 2-2 and the dreaded penalties loomed. It proved too much for England again as Woody Harrelson slotted home the decisive winner. 6-7 it finished with the spoils going to The Rest of the World for the first time.
Hollywood actor Woody Harrelson grabs the winner.
Two of the greatest: Alan Shearer pops one over Hendrik Larson.
Three Amigos. Ex-Real Madrid stars Zidane and Figo with Soccer Aid founder Robbie Williams.
See Hollywood actor Woody Harrelson slot home from the spot to give The Rest of the World their first Soccer Aid win.
