Football
Remembering David Beckham’s Stunning Free-Kick For England Against Greece In 2001
Ben Horlock is a sports news and features writer who holds a degree in sports journalism (BA Hons) from Southampton Solent University. Ben has been published across a wide variety of news outlets and websites including HITC, 90min, GiveMeSport, Betfair and Zoo Magazine. As well, Ben has worked in social media for four years in the sports gambling industry. For his sins, Ben is a QPR fan and is a keen follower of all the major European football leagues.
Get to know Ben Horlock betterPublished7 hours ago on October 10, 2024
David Beckham vs Greece in 2001 was arguably his finest ever performance in an England shirt. And his stoppage-time equaliser is one of the best ever scored by a Three Lions star.
What Was The Score When England Met Greece In 2001?
Thursday’s UEFA Nations League clash at Wembley will be the first time England and Greece have played a competitive match in 23 years.
In October 2001, the two nations met in a crucial FIFA World Cup qualifier at Old Trafford. It was the last fixture of the group which would ultimately decide whether the Three Lions or Germany progressed.
Naturally, the team finishing in first place would secure automatic passage to the FIFA World Cup tournament in 2002. The runners-up would then have to go through a play-off for the chance to qualify.
With a buoyant home support behind them, Sven-Goran Eriksson’s men were tipped to win the game with considerable ease. However, it really didn’t pan out that way.
The Greeks were extremely well drilled and didn’t allow their hosts too many chances of note. In fact, Eriksson’s side were extremely poor as they laboured to a 2-2 draw.
David Beckham after scoring his free-kick against Greece. pic.twitter.com/HiRkVD12SB
— Sky Sports Retro (@SkySportsRetro) June 3, 2021
David Beckham Vs Greece In 2001
Despite their poor performance overall, David Beckham hauled England to the 2002 FIFA World Cup tournament almost single-handedly. It is still one of the greatest performances ever witnessed by a Three Lions player.
However, Greece deservedly took the lead through Angelos Charisteas after 36 minutes. The Aris player was just 21 at the time and would later score the winning goal in the Euro 2004 final against Portugal.
That strike set the tone and it wasn’t until the 68th minute that Teddy Sheringham equalised for the hosts. The joy was short lived as Demis Nikolaidis put the visitors back in front just 60 seconds later.
Then, Beckham vs Greece became a one-man mission as the captain truly led by example and tried everything in his power to grant England a place in the World Cup.
The Manchester United star’s time came deep into stoppage-time. The Greeks gave away a cheap free-kick approximately five yards outside the box and the rest is history.
After the backlash and death threats he received after his red card against Argentina in 1998, Beckham’s redemption was well and truly completed. Scroll down to revisit the iconic Beckham vs Greece goal.