Soccer: World Cup lures stars back to field

LONDON - Zinedine Zidane is coming out of retirement for France and Ronaldo will be back with Brazil in a raft of internationals and World Cup qualifiers this week.

The game's top sides are all on friendly duty, with France playing Ivory Coast in Montpellier following days of national euphoria surrounding Zidane's decision to don the blue jersey again.

Lilian Thuram and Claude Makelele have also made the personal u-turn to help a struggling France side qualify for next year's World Cup finals in Germany.

France trail Ireland, Switzerland and Israel in Group Four.

Ronaldo returns to the Brazil lineup in Croatia after being rested for the Confederations Cup.

His current and future club team-mates Roberto Carlos and Robinho, who joins Real Madrid this month, are also in a side who will be without Ronaldinho.

The Barcelona playmaker has been left out as he is suspended for their next qualifier against Chile on September 4.

Other friendlies include another instalment of the often-bitter rivalry between the Netherlands and Germany in Rotterdam, Argentina's game in Hungary, Italy's trip to Ireland and an England game against Denmark in Copenhagen.

Mexico, the Concacaf zone leaders on 13 points, have a tricky game at home to Costa Rica, who occupy the third and final guaranteed qualifying slot. The United States, second on 12 points, can keep the pressure on Mexico and further their own ambitions by beating Trinidad and Tobago. Guatemala host Panama in the other game.

In Europe, Slovakia have plenty at stake in Liechtenstein as they try to stay three points ahead of the pursuing Russians in Group Three.

For Asia, the four teams who have qualified for the finals will meet one another with just pride at stake.

Saudi Arabia are defending a one-point lead over 2002 World Cup semifinalists South Korea in Group A. Kuwait need only a draw with Uzbekistan to reach a playoff against Bahrain.

- REUTERS