1966 And All That with Comet... No. 11: David Beckham vs Argentina 2002
World Cup 2002
David Beckham found redemption in a single kick of his right boot and atoned for his sending off against Argentina in the previous World Cup by scoring the winning penalty against England's other old enemy...
David Beckham (44 (pen))
World Cup 2002 Japan/South Korea,
June 7, 2002
Sapporo Dome, Sapporo,
Referee: Pierluigi Collina (Italy),
Att: 35,927
England had been on the wrong end of defeats to Argentina in both the 1986 and 1998 World Cups and went into this game as the underdogs once again to an Argentine side tipped as one of the tournament favourites.
But this time, finally, it was England's turn and for no one was the win sweeter than captain David Beckham.
The skipper got his chance to exorcise the demons of '98 when Michael Owen was awarded a penalty within seconds of half time. Still recovering from a broken metatarsal that had threatened his place at the tournament, Beckham bravely stepped up to score the decisive spot kick.
In truth, the penalty - hit hard and straight down the middle - wasn't the greatest strike but the sheer relief on Beckham's face was a defining moment in English football.
Key Figures
David Beckham
After an inauspicious start, Beckham was inspirational as a playmaker with a succession of probing balls displaying his full repertoire of passing. He held his nerve to score the penalty and could have made it 2-0 later in the game after shooting wide with only the keeper to beat.
Rio Ferdinand
England spent most of the second half fighting against a wave of Argentinean attacks. Ferdinand was superb in holding the backline together alongside Sol Campbell during a typically controlled display from the cultured defender.
Nicky Butt
There was laughter when Pele rated Butt as the player of the tournament so far - but the Brazilian had probably based his opinion on this game. Butt was all over the pitch showing tenacious tackling and great vision to put Owen clear when England hit the woodwork.
Did You Know...?
The 2002 World Cup was the first to be held in Asia and the first time that two countries - Japan and South Korea - had co-hosted the tournament.
France suffered the embarrassment of the worst performance at a World Cup by the defending champions after losing to Senegal and Denmark - and failing to get past the group stages without scoring a single goal.
Despite struggling to qualify, Brazil won the tournament while setting a record of seven straight victories - with Ronaldo scoring as many goals himself (five) as England had managed during the entire tournament.
What Happened Next
The win lifted England to second place in the so-called 'Group of Death' featuring Sweden and Nigeria - while Argentina failed to qualify. England would eventually lose to Brazil in the quarter-finals.
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