UEFA Celebration Match

The UEFA Celebration Match, held on 13 March 2007, celebrated both the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Rome, which set the backbone for a united Europe, and the 50th year of Manchester United's participation in European competitions. Representatives felt it would be most appropriate to celebrate the landmark in England using a football match rather than other celebrations like musical concerts. A Europe XI managed by World Cup-winning manager Marcello Lippi played against Manchester United at Old Trafford, Manchester. The match was televised live on BBC Three in the United Kingdom and also streamed live via the BBC website. The £1.2 million raised went towards the Manchester United Foundation. The match was officiated by German referee Marcus Merk.

Match details

Injuries and withdrawals

After the initial squad was announced, some players were forced to withdraw from the Europe XI squad through injury:

• Goalkeepers: Oliver Kahn, Iker Casillas
• Defenders: Paolo Maldini, Lilian Thuram, Carles Puyol, Fabio Grosso, Miguel
• Midfielders: Juninho Pernambucano, David Beckham, Ronaldinho
• Strikers: Ronaldo
• The entire Chelsea and Arsenal teams due to their......
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