Zidane back in the starting lineup for France

HANOVER, June 27 (Reuters) France playmaker Zinedine Zidane returned to the starting lineup for his side's second round match against Spain in Hanover today after serving a one-match suspension in the final group match against Togo.

The 34-year-old, who will be retiring after the World Cup, took up his customary position in the midfield as coach Raymond Domenech left David Trezeguet on the bench and reverted to his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation with Thierry Henry on his own up front.

Defender Eric Abidal was also back in the side in place of Mikael Silvestre after sitting out the 2-0 victory over Togo because of a ban.

As expected Spain coach Luis Aragones opted to include captain and all-time leading scorer Raul and 19-year-old midfielder Cesc Fabregas in his starting team in place of Luis Garcia and Marcos Senna. Raul was celebrating his 29th birthday today.

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