Romanian football icon Gheorghe Hagi was part of the World XI team that came from behind to beat Rangers XI at Ibrox in a Legends of the Game friendly as part of the 150th birthday celebrations of Scottish champions Rangers.
The Rangers XI team was made up of past players of the Scottish club including current manager Giovanni Van Bronckhorst. The Dutchman was joined in the team by the likes of Barry Ferguson, JorgAlbertz, Michael Mols, Paul Gascoigne, Ronald de Boer and many more. For the World XI team, 2000 Ballon d’Or winner Luis Figo led as skipper alongside Gheorghe Hagi, Robert Pires, Ricardo Quaresma, Claude Makelele, Nuno Gomes and Roy Makaay who’s a first-team coach at Rangers at the moment.
Gheorghe Hagi represented the World XI despite having strong ties with Rangers. His son, IanisHagi is an important player for the Scottish champions though he’s presently out for the rest of the season after suffering a serious knee injury.
Hagi and his teammates trailed at half-time during the game, but they were able to turn things around with the help of three second half goals to win the game. Those three goals were enough to give them victory despite the late goal from Rangers legend Paul Gascoigne with a deliberate helping hand from the opposition defence.
Shota Arveladze gave Rangers XI the lead in the first half and they were able to take it into the break. The World XI then turned the game around with goals from Carlos Machena, Nuno Gomes and Ricardo Quaresma. Rangers legend Gascoigne was then introduced into the game with a standing ovation from the crowd before he scored late to make the game 3-2 in favour of the World XI team. His goal was also greeted by a loud cheer from the crowd at Ibrox.