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Charity match for Haiti tragedy a success

A United Nations charity match to raise money for the Haiti earthquake tragedy has ended successfully.

The match between an all-star side and past and present Benfica players held at Benfica's Luz Stadium attratced a capacity crowd of 65,000 with all proceeds going to victims of the Haiti earthquake.

Zinedine Zidane was joined by Real Madrid's Kaka along with Luis Figo, Rui Costa, Thierry Henry, Pavel Nedved and Edgar Davids for the match which ended in a 3-3 draw and was refereed by Italian great Pierluigi Collina who came out of retirement to help.

"By coming to the stadium people have done a great thing. I am very happy we can do something to help," said former France playmaker Zidane after the match.

"This is a very good cause, that's why there are so many players here. Football is with the people of Haiti," said Bayern Munich coach Louis van Gaal who was in charge of the All-Star team.

Portugal legend Eusebio took centre stage after a minute's silence for a ceremonial kick-off before Kaka put the all-stars ahead. Benfica's Nuno Gomes then scored twice before Zidan set up Robert Pires for the all-stars second but Benfica again hit the front through Eder Luis.

The equaliser came through Christophe Dugarry with five minutes remaining in the entertaining clash.

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Andrew Slevison
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