21.   For the Croatians, midfield stars Robert Prosinecki and Zvonimir Boban passed fitness, allowing manager Miroslav Blazevic to name a full-strength side.

22.   Former French midfield star Alain Giresse was named Sunday as the new coach of second division side Toulouse.

23.   Hoddle was also full of praise for Paul Gascoigne, his beleagured midfield star, and the way he handled the pressure.

24.   Ironically United suffered their worst blow of the night before the kick-off when they confirmed that midfield star Roy Keane had not recovered from an ankle injury.

25.   A late goal from midfield star Andi Moller calmed the nerves of Borussia Dortmund and sunk the hopes of unlucky Auxerre.

26.   And a week ago England midfield star Nick Barmby, regarded as being surplus to requirement at the Riverside Stadium, was sold to Everton.

27.   Boli joins his fellow European Cup winning teammates goalkeeper Fabien Barthez and Eric Di Meco at the club managed by former French midfield star Jean Tigana.

28.   Brazil will already be without emerging midfield star Ronaldinho was was sent off against England which earned him an automatic one-match suspension.

29.   But the French will be without striker Thierry Henry, controversially sent off on Thursday, and midfield star Emmanuel Petit who is suspended after another yellow card.

30.   But the match ended on an ugly note when Manchester United midfield star Keane lunged wildly in frustration at Russian substitute Omar Tetradze.