A Nation Held Its Breath
In the second of my sporting moments of the naughties we take a look at a moment of individual brilliance.
On October 6th 2001 England’s chance’s of playing in the 2002 World Cup Finals hung in the balance. Facing Greece at Old Trafford, England needed a point to secure qualification and finish above Germany in the group stages. After ninety minutes the unfancied Greek’s were leading 2-1.
There are defining moments in sporting careers, for me David Beckham’s free-kick in the 93rd minute of this game is his finest moment. He effectively carried a lacklustre England side for the whole game and was rightly rewarded with the opportunity to level the scores and take credit for the result with only seconds remaining.
The nation literally held its breath as with the last kick of the game a man who had moved from a figure of hatred in 1998 following his sending off against Argentina, became a national hero. As his 30-yard free-kick hit the back of the net the nation was united in admiration and respect for one of the best English players and professionals to grace the game in the last decade.
Although this sporting moment did not occur on such grand a stage as the World Cup Finals it is still mesmerising to watch and looking back at it now you start to remember not only the euphoria but also the relief. This one spectacular moment deserves its place in sporting history.
