The former World Cup winner made a return to the game in the exhibition between the Predator and the F-50 sides.

Thousands of fans braved scorching heat at the Chiang Mai Municipal Stadium. Traffic was congested on the way to the ground.

The match was played amid tight security, with more than 100 officers on duty. However, hundreds who arrived hours ahead of kick-off managed to get in without being subjected to an explosives scan.

The Marseilles native of Algerian parents arrived surrounded by bodyguards and was quickly guided to a separate tent.

Zidane waved to fans shouting his name as he made his way to a pre-game news conference at a makeshift booth behind the goal.

"I've found a new world after retirement. I'm excited to experience new things such as playing in this match. I would like to travel to other countries and play in charity matches just like this," Zidane said. He departs Bangkok with his family today.

The former Real Madrid and Juventus star, speaking through an interpreter, hinted he could return to Thailand following his first impressions of the country's tourist attractions.

The covered stand was swiftly over capacity and seats exposed to the sun were heaving by game time.

Those unable to get in watched the game from any vantage point they could find.

The players were welcomed with cheers as their names were announced, but the loudest and longest were reserved for Zizou (Zidane's nickname).

Celebrity players included entertainment stars such as Somchai "Tao" Khemklad and internationals.

Zidane turned out for the Predator side, scored on the stroke of half time and had a hand in his team's second.

The retired international midfielder appeared in good spirits in spite of the heat and when put through on goal he deftly chipped the keeper.

He then turned provider, setting up Malaysian forward Mohamad Bin Jaafar for a simple goal.

He continued his trickery in the second half before being replaced by Thailand midfielder Terdsak Jaiman, who is likened to the Frenchman because of his shaven head.

Without Zidane the game lost a little of its lustre and the crowd started leaving.

The game became tight and F-50 fought back to clinch a draw through Singaporean defender Arai Kenji's own goal and a headed equaliser from television personality Nantasai Visalyabutra.

The match raised Bt260,000 for the Kue-darun Foundation that cares for HIV-positive children and orphans.

Meanwhile, Zidane and Ronaldo will each captain a team in the fourth edition of the Match Against Poverty, to be held at the Stade Velodrome on March 19.

Zidane and AC Milan striker Ronaldo, who are both Goodwill Ambassadors for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), have been the driving forces behind this initiative since 2003.

A statement issued by Marseille Town Hall promised that several "star footballers" would play alongside the pair, without giving any details.

The match will be the first played in Europe by Zidane since his international retirement after the 2006 World Cup final.

"I have retired from professional football, but I am determined to continue playing in my capacity as UNDP Goodwill Ambassador for such a good cause, and to contribute to this annual gathering with my friend Ronaldo," said Zidane.

Proceeds from the first three matches benefited anti-poverty projects ranging from support to female entrepreneurs to the construction of sports centres for street children in Asia, Africa and Latin America.

Kitinan Sanguansak,

Somporn Suphop

The Nation

CHIANG MAI