Date:07/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/07/stories/2008120760301400.htm

Sport - Football

Beckham fails to score

AUCKLAND: David Beckham failed to score but thrilled a crowd of 20,000 as the LA Galaxy beat an Oceania XI 3-0 in a friendly football match on Saturday.

Beckham produced many of his trademark touches — brilliant crosses or passes into the penalty area — as the Galaxy won comfortably after scoring three goals in the first half. Beckham was eventually substituted, but his mere presence thrilled a near capacity crowd at Auckland’s Mt. Smart Stadium.

“It was great,” Beckham said. “Obviously I enjoyed playing in a different part of the world. The supporters enjoyed the game as I did.”

An early volley from Beckham forced a magnificent save from former Manchester United goalkeeper Mark Bosnich of Australia, one of the stars who made up the Oceania team.