The Ecuador Curler
David Beckham scored a stunning free kick in the 60th minute on 25 June 2006 to lead England to a 1-0 win over Ecuador and a spot in the quarterfinals of the World Cup 2006.
Beckham sent in a curling free kick from about 25m that beat diving goalkeeper Christian Mora.
Beckham became the first Englishman to score in three World Cups - he converted a penalty kick against Argentina in Japan four years ago and curled in a free kick against Colombia in France in 1998.
"It was an ugly performance but it was what we wanted and we'll take ugly performances," the England skipper said.
"It was nice to silence a few people who have been critical. I can handle my criticism and I'll prove them wrong.
"It was a great feeling to get a goal and put us into the quarter-final."
And Beckham revealed how his Real Madrid team-mate Roberto Carlos sent the England captain a 'lucky' text message before the game.
He said: "I haven't scored in a while and I haven't scored many free-kicks. I have been struggling in training a little bit.
"Wayne Rooney said to me before hand that I have been terrible for two days so I will get one tonight and Roberto Carlos sent me a text message before the match asking me to score him a free-kick and it brought me good luck.
"We are through to the quarter finals and I don't care who we get. It is job done as far as I am concerned and we are all very happy tonight."
Back to top
: About Us : Contact Us : Privacy : Legal : Partners : Links :
All Rights Reserved 2000-07 www.beckham-magazine.com
|