David Beckham v Greece
England 2 Greece 2
2002 World Cup qualifier, Old Trafford 2001
A classic moment when England captain David Beckham scores with a sensational 30-yard free kick, three minutes into injury-time.
Viewed as the final step in Beckham's conversion from villain to hero. England needed to win or draw the match in order to qualify outright for the World Cup, but were losing 2–1 with little time remaining. When Teddy Sheringham was fouled eight yards (7 metres) outside the Greek penalty area, England were awarded a free-kick
Beckham ensured England's qualification and his legend with a curling strike of the kind that had become his trademark. Shortly afterwards, he was voted the BBC Sports Personality of the Year for 2001. He once again finished runner-up, to Luís Figo of Portugal, for the FIFA World Player of the Year award.
Source: DSG
