Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Leonardo Bonucci, Soccer Aid
Josh Lawless
Steph Houghton has reacted after being on the receiving end of a crunching challenge from Italy legend Leonardo Bonucci in Soccer Aid.
The former Lionesses captain made her Soccer Aid debut for England at Old Trafford on Sunday and was involved in one of the most talked about moments in the charity clash - which raised £15 million for UNICEF.
England were 3-0 up and flying through goals from Wayne Rooney, Houghton's former club and international teammate Toni Duggan and Jermain Defoe, who later bagged a second.
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But inspired by four-goal hero Carlos Tevez on his return to the Theatre of Dreams, the Rest of the World turned it around and won 5-4.
Tevez played the game as though it was the World Cup final and was involved in a bit of afters with Angry Ginge, a United-mad streamer who was desperate to get revenge for his controversial exit in 2009.
Tevez's ex Juventus colleague Bonucci also played in Soccer Aid for the first time and he too didn't take the contest lightly, clattering into Houghton with a firm but fair challenge.
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The Euro 2020 winner came across to defend against Houghton when she had the ball down the right flank and flew in, winning the ball but colliding with the three-time WSL winner.
He played on and advanced with the ball up the pitch, before the referee called for a stoppage after spotting Houghton in agony on the turf.
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The challenge was a major talking point online amongst viewers but Houghton, who fought through injuries in her impressive playing career, was able to continue.
And there is seemingly no animosity between the pair given their social media activity. On his Instagram story, Bonucci shared a picture of he and Houghton - with the cheeky caption, "She's still alive!!".
Houghton reposted the picture to her story and wrote, "My guy" with a smiley emoji - whilst also liking Bonucci's post from the game.
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Big Zuu scored the winning goal in Soccer Aid, celebrating with a Cristiano Ronaldo 'Siuu' after squeezing a shot past Paddy McGuinness in the 83rd minute.