Beckham in his prime

Instead of going to bed at a reasonable hour last night, I was drawn in by a replay of the classic 2001 World Cup Qualifying match between England and Greece. To set the stage, the die hard British fans were hungry for some football glory. After losing to the West Germans in a shootout in the semis of World Cup 1990, they failed to qualify in '94, got to the second round in '98, and had a couple poor Euro Cup performances sprinkled in between.  The loyal fans demanded better.

So here, in 2001, with the fickle Brits reluctantly putting their faith in David Beckham as captain, the English faced potentially not qualifying for the World Cup once again.  With Germany, Finland, Greece, and Albania in their qualifying group, England arrived at this last game having done well (5-1-1) but still facing potential elimination dependent on the outcome of the Germany v. Finland game that was being played simultaneously.  If England won, or if both games resulted in a draw, they would ensure top spot in their group and have a direct entrance into the World Cup Finals without needing a playoff game.

Even though the announcers and some of the fans were monitoring the Germany v. Finland game, most of the players didn't know that their score was remaining 0-0.  But they had the more pressing issue of being down 1-0 to Greece at halftime.  How would they pull it together?  They couldn't fail to qualify again.  They had to find a way.

The answer came from their epic leader, number 7.  He had been playing hard in the first half, but from the whistle in the 46th minute, Beckham went nuts.  He was all over the field, stealing the ball, playing in crosses, through balls, making runs (it was refreshing to see him actually playing soccer instead of just jogging around the pitch waiting for a free kick to take or flash bulb to smile for) and his whole team followed his example.  The English side came out like gangbusters in the second half and cranked up the offensive pressure on Greece, getting chance after chance, but just couldn't break through.  

But Beckham wouldn't be denied.  He wouldn't let his country down again.  Finding the substitute Sheringham's head on a free kick, England drew even in the 68th minute.  But that didn't last long.  Greece struck back a minute later, with the help of some poor defending, sucking all the excitement out of Old Trafford.  The rest of the match played out full of tension and anxiety.  The Brits couldn't seem to slow the clock down or find the way through as the Greek keeper continued to have a stellar performance.  So this is what it comes down to, England down 2-1 after 90 minutes played.  Four minutes of stoppage time added on.  The fans, the whole country, praying for a miracle.  And the chance comes in the 93rd minute, a direct free kick from 30 yards out.  Beckham steps up, takes the hopes of millions on his shoulders, shakes his head at the fans who had already filed out of the stadium, and with his right foot brilliantly seals his fate and legacy in the annals of English footballers.  

When his team, his manager, and his country needed him to step up and earn the title of captain and leader, Beckham answered the call and slotted a sick free kick into the old onion bag.  This game, in my opinion, is who David Beckham was as a soccer player at his best.  Very unlike what we saw at Real Madrid or now at the L.A. Galaxy.  He was a leader, he worked hard on the field, he earned the respect of his coaches and teammates, and ultimately, he produced results when it came down to it.  Say what you want about his photo shoots, frosted sunglasses, rail-thin high-maintenance wife, Hollywood lifestyle, or global reputation.  As a soccer player, at one point in his career, he deserved every ounce of hype that he got.  He was money and everyone knew it.

That is what made it totally worth it to stay up late last night and watch the replay of that match and see him at his best once again.  It had been awhile, but it was enthralling.  Here are some clips from that match.  Doesn't do justice to the drama of it, but still great.