Football: MACCA GIVEN REAL HONOUR; Real Madrid 3 Rest of the World 3.

Article Type:	Brief article
Date:	Dec 19, 2002
Words:	186
Publication:	The Mirror (London, England)
ISSN:	1462-995X

Byline: DAVID MADDOCK

STEVE McMANAMAN received the ultimate accolade as he was handed the captain's armband in Real Madrid's centenary celebration showpiece.

The England star was given the honour in the second-half of a match designed to commemorate the Spanish giants' 100-year history amid wild scenes of celebration in the Bernabeu Stadium last night.

Macca is something of a cult figure in Madrid, and he proved it by leading his side back from a 3-0 deficit to snatch a draw in an entertaining contest.

FIFA ensured that the Rest of the World, bar England, had a free midweek to allow the biggest names to visit Madrid.

Men like World Cup-winning captain Kafu, Rivaldo, Paolo Maldini, Roberto Baggio and Michael Ballack ensured that a packed Bernabeu was treated to a footballing extravaganza.

The Rest of the World took a three-goal lead through Miroslav Klose, Birmingham's Aliou Cisse and Brazil's Kaka before Madrid staged their inevitable stirring fight back.

McManaman, the only Englishman ever to skipper Real, made two goals as Santiago Solari, Tote and Estenban Cambiasso levelled the scores.

CAPTION(S):

HIGH KICKER: Real Madrid's Pavon checks Klose