Soccer: Beckham free-kick seals English victory

ATHENS – David Beckham fired home a trademark free kick as England posted a record fifth win in a row under coach Sven-Goran Eriksson with a 2–0 victory over Greece.

England always looked like securing three points, though it was not until the 64th minute that Paul Scholes scored England's first, and Beckham did not put the tie out of Greek reach until the 87th.

Manifestly superior in midfield, strong in defence and fluid in attack the English produced a polished display which spoke well of the preparation enjoyed in Spain.

Beckham led the way worrying Greek goalkeeper Antonis Nikopolidis with his crossing and shooting, but the second-half breakthrough was instigated by a less obvious source.

Phil Neville battled his way across the top of the box before slipping a composed and intelligent pass to Heskey. As defenders converged on him the Liverpool player rolled a pass inside for Scholes to steer the ball in. It was his 13th goal in 35 internationals.

Greece continued to press but the English defence seemed to relish the chance to show how much they have improved with Rio Ferdinand particularly impressive.

Even so, it was a relief when Beckham settled the issue punishing a foul on him with a superb free-kick. It was the captain's third goal in four matches.

With Greece now five points adrift in Group Nine of the World Cup's European qualifying section, England seems assured of second place and a play-off spot.

And while Germany won 2-0 in Albania last night, thus retaining their six-point advantage over England, automatic qualification for 2002 remains a possibility.

The key match is England's next competitive one, away to the leaders in Munich.

England have not won in Germany since 1965 when they had a more than useful team but a repeat victory is not beyond the current side.

- INDEPENDENT