Living Goldenballs--Mastering the Art Of The Comeback

Nothing surpised me more than when, in January of 2007, I heard the news that David Beckham had signed for the Los Angeles Galaxy. Flabbergasted. Saddened at the thought that he was leaving European football for American soccer. What disappointed me more was to know that this was already a done deal, that there was nothing that could be done for him to stay where he and his talents belong. There were talks that Real Madrid was renegotiating for a new contract; that he could be going home to England as clubs there were showing interest (not least of all was Tottenham, where his grandfather wanted him to play for when he was a kid). Even the news that some Italian clubs came sniffing was an improvement (Italian football doesn't have the best reputation after the match-fixing scandal and I still haven't gotten over neither the neat little stunt that Materazzi pulled in the WC'06 Finals nor that one Italian who slapped Becks at the back of the head in an England friendly years ago).

But they were talking about a US$250,000, five-year contract. I don't think that there could be any more of a done deal than that.

After the shock wore off, I followed more closely (if that's even possible) his last few months with glorious European football. I was over the moon when he got invited to play for European XI against Manchester United last March 13 as the Red Devils celebrated fifty years of European football competition. Injury might not have allowed him to play that evening in Old Trafford but his speech at half-time thanking the crowd for their support over the years was a presence well worth it. For me, what was more beautiful than the Red Devils' 4-3 rout of the European select was the standing ovation Becks got from the crowd who was welcoming a son home as well as saying goodbye to a bigger-than-life hero who started carving his name in sporting history as a sixteen-year old apprentice for their youth team.

And who could forget the all-too-funny Capello snub? Of course, it didn't start funnily at all. After learning of Becks' new Galaxy contract, Real Madrid Fabio Capello publicly announced that there wasn't room for him in the club anymore and that he would be sitting out all of the remaining matches of the season. But the being the soldier that he has always been, Becks continued to train with the squad even if he was relegated to attending the matches from the VIP box. But two consecutive losses later, Capello was forced to eat his words (plus a generous helping of humble pie) and recalled Beckham to the line-up. And what did he dish out on his first game back? A stunning goal in the 39th minute in the Real Madrid's 2-1 win over Real Sociedad on February 10.

In the sixteen matches that followed, the Meringues only suffered one loss, five draws, and ten wins. Becks was sidelined for a couple of weeks or so in March due to an ankle injury and I could never wholly credit his return from the Capello omission for the fabulous turnaround. But noone could also deny that Goldenballs was playing like a man possessed during his last few months with the Spanish giants. I was a fool to believe that he was going to leave Spain with nothing to show for for the four years he had stayed there. Well, maybe learning the language. But it did look bleak for the club by December of last year as they continued to languish behind Sevilla and Barcelona. The second half of the season told a different story though as the two clubs began to stumble. By May they were ahead of Barca by a point until June 10 when they drew against Real Zaragoza. I was about to go apoplectic until Barca drew their match as well a few minutes later.

But right before the Spanish season capped off, another big surprise came about. England coach Steve McClaren recalled Becks to the national squad. I couldn't be more happier. After disappointing performances, losses, and with the qualification for Euro 2008 in jeopardy, he had no other choice. He couldn't deny either that the former captain was playing his best football in years for his club. He started in the England friendly with Brazil on June 2. In typical style, a Beckham free-kick found current captain John Terry to score in. The match ended 1-1 but it showed a much more improved national line-up. Not to mention a country grateful for a certain midfielder's return, apparent during the player introductions when his name was answered by cheers from the filled-to-capacity, newly built Wembley Stadium. What's more, he later provided two assists in England's 3-0 win against Estonia a few days later.

Then June 17, 2007 came--and what a day to remember. It was a sudden death situation between the greatest club rivals in Spanish football. SkySports actually had both matches on their screen. Barca's match finished a few minutes early and they had a great win. But somehow Real Madrid played better that night after being a goal down at half-time. They were two goals up by the 83rd minute and all they had to do was play defense for the next few minutes. What had been in question the entire season held off the Mallorca attack until the last whistle. The celebrations afterwards--the fireworks and the lights held up by the fans in the usually floodlit Estadio Bernabeu was a stunning sight to say the least. They weren't just celebrating the return of the trophy to Madrid, but also paying tribute to two heroes that wouldn't be returning in the next season. Brazilian Roberto Carlos had been a Meringue for what seemed like forever and had been a permanent fixture in the team since I started following them in 1998. And then there was Becks--who had only played for the club for four years and yet, won many of the hearts of one of the harshest fans in Spanish football. The sight of them both draped in their respective national flags, hugging each other, will always a favorite memory of mine. What was more bittersweet was the picture all four Beckham boys made while celebrations were going on on the pitch. Becks left Spain a hero after all. (While Cappello got the boot a week or so later. Boo hoo!)

Barely a month had passed since celebrating with the Spanish campeones in Las Cibeles, draping the goddess with the Spanish flag and partying until morning, our little bee flew across the pond to join his new club, er, team. The Beckhams' arrival in the States could not be described to be less than a media circus. It was ridiculous as the week before his July 13 unveiling proved to be a slow sports news week. It boggles the mind that people who hadn't seen him play yet are suddenly in like with him, ready to worship in the altar of the Beckham brand. I've been there and still am a Beckhamist through and through. But unlike the majority of his new adoring American public, I know an offside when I see one. (Note that I said majority.) I'm not saying it's bad but I hope they see him more on a different angle and get past their infatuation with his face or his body (I, for one, am sure it's not the voice!). God knows, I've been working on that for the past ten years I've followed this bloke's life and career. In the process, I have come to love the sport he plays for what it is. He is in the US to be an ambassador of the game, to promote the game's popularity in a country already filled with great sports. I hope people give him a real chance to do just that.

All the fanfare aside, it was a slow going as he made the transition from being a Galactico to being one of the Galaxy. He was training with the team but the ankle injury he had been nursing since March kept him in the sidelines. He played a few minutes when the Galaxy hosted Chelsea (thanks for spoiling the party, JT). Then people got antsy as he sat out most of the next LA games. Critics were frothing at the mouth at how the Goldenballs was overpaid and overhyped. He apologized to the fans and later gifted those who patiently wait when he showed just how to bend it in the 18th minute as well as provided the assist for a Landon Donovan goal in their 2-0 win over DC United in the SuperLiga 2007 semis last August 14--this, of course, was after long-time Galaxy captain Donovan ceded the captaincy to Becks. He also had three assists in his long-delayed MLS debut game three days later. He does know the best way to shut those critics up! A little more cooperation (defense, perhaps?) from the rest of the Galaxy would be dearly appreciated.

I don't think he would lose his edge and, especially not his talents, on the pitch from less than competitive football. The man was born and bred for the game. In spite of his injury, he's still officially on duty for August 22nd's friendly against Germany. Many have surmised that he would be having difficulties keeping his place in the national squad again if he continues to play halfway around the world. No offense to the footy in America but I'm not fantastical enough to believe that it would ever come up to par with their top-flight European equivalent. Didn't Real Madrid rout their All-Star team summer of last year? I have to say though that Mr Beckham have triumphed over the worst of critics during the past several months. Let's see how he proves his critics wrong this time around.

After all, the Beckham show never disappointments.

Living Goldenballs -- 11.15.2000/07.02.2006

"Good ole baldy Becks has just been chosen by new England coach Peter Taylor as captain of the national team! Aye, aye, Cap'n!"

This was an entry dated November 15, 2000 in my Things That Make Us Happy notebook. I bet I got teary eyed the moment I got this piece of news. This announcement came after England's early exit in the Euro 2000 and then squad captain Alan Shearer retired from international duty. And what an honor that announcement it was.

And in the close to six years that followed, I would see Becks lead England from one win to another. There were times when he would get fingerpointed after a disappointing result. But what a wonderful five and a half years it had been. A trip down memory lane is an absolute treat. Countless memories abound but there are some that stand out for me. Two of my faves being the 5-1 rout England dished on Germany on September 1, 2001 during the WC 2002 qualifiers; and Becks' free kick against Greece a little over a month later that sealed their trip to Korea/Japan.

But that trip hadn't been smooth-sailing. During the ManUtd-Depo Champions League quarterfinals in 2002, Becks almost lost his chance to captain his country that summer. In the first leg, he scored in the fifteenth to help ManUtd to a 2-0 win over the Spaniards. But then a tackle had sprained one of his ankles and fears of a more serious injury surfaced. It was reassuring to see him start in the second leg. But what didn't succeed in their first match was accomplished in the second--as Becks got stretchered off right before halftime. Another tackle (from an Argie , no less) broke a metatarsal bone--that wasn't something an England fan (or a squad captain!) would like to have with the WC in the horizon. A lot could relate to that experience to this year's Wayne Rooney injury saga. (Did the Argies have a grudge against Becks? After France '98 and this unfortunate incident, my personal grudge against Argie footballers--except for Juan Sebastian Veron because he played alongside Becks at ManUtd and Seba is just unhateable--had become the size of old USSR.)

Thank God for modern medicine and technology because Becks was back on his feet (casts off!) and running again a month ahead of schedule. He then led his country to the quarterfinals of Korea/Japan 2002. They might have lost to eventual winners Brazil but not before the England captain exacted revenge on the Argies. England defeated Argentina in their group match, 1-0. It was a penalty awarded to Michael Owen after he was brought down inside the box. Guess who converted it? It was a long time coming but revenge was nothing but sweet. It ended four years of pain and was an exorcism of sorts. (Of course, after this match and just last November 2005's 3-2 friendly win over the Argies have reduced my grudge against them to the size of modern day Russia.)

Becks has always played key roles wherever he happens to be playing. But also because of his lifestyle and popularity outside of the game that he has become a target for footballers prone to sophomoric displays. Like being spat at by a Turkish player after their 0-0 draw against Turkey, sealing qualification for Euro 2004. But skirmishes like that had to be forgotten on November 2003 as David Robert Joseph Beckham finally received his OBE, the first step into becoming a Knight of the British realm. It could either mean Order of the British Empire or Order of the Big Earners.

Euro 2004 in Portugal was another disappointment--in English standards, that is. We lost to the host country in spot kicks in the quarterfinals. That's the downside of a country whose club football scene is the most popular in the world. Because popular does not automatically translate to being the best. And that's what the England squad have to always endure during every major international tourney. They are always favorites early on, which might be justified by a constant supply of young talent (that somehow just couldn't get it together under pressure). Whenever their performances fall short of expectations, Becks has learned at weathering criticism especially from the vicious British media. Not only did the leadership end there. He has proven doubters wrong time and again--about his personal performance as well as about the national team's.

Sure, there were a lot of times in the Beckham captaincy that I look back on with triumph and pride--and sometimes with a shake of my head. During England's Germany 2006 qualifier against Wales in October 2004, he scored a free kick from Beckham country that turned out to be the game winner. But that win was overshadowed by his admission later on that he committed an intentional foul in the second half of the game so he could serve the ban while being sidelined for a plaguing injury. Unethical, some say. I say, no more unethical than Maradona's Hand of God in the 1986 WC was. Even up to now, I still don't know whether to admire him for having the guts to commit the foul or the fact that he admitted to doing it on purpose.

He rallied a rather despondent England team and scored another trademark free kick against Ecuador in the knockout stage of WC 2006, winning 1-0. Becks became the first Englishman to score in three consecutive WCs (he scored against Colombia in '98)--that definitely beats the heck out of being the first player to be sent off twice in his England career after a questionable second yellow during a WC qualifier in late 2005. For me, I have seen my gold squad play in Germany 2006. Oh, I'm sure there will be other golden squads for other England fans in the future (who knows, that selection could finally bring home that golden trophy) just as the WC-winning team of '66 was the golden squad of that generation.

It was sad to be eliminated through penalties (Portugal is fast becoming a pain in my neck). It was even more heartbreaking watching an injured Becks being subbed in that quarterfinal game. But all through those mind-numbing defeats, we always see the leader in him trying to console the other members of his squad. Becks never failed to approach each and every teammate to offer some sort of comfort. he might have been captain but he's still human, too. Even if he himself obviously had his hopes dashed, he was never too selfish as to offer word, or even a little pat on the back, to alleviate disappointment.

I never thought then that July 1, 2006 would be the last time I would see him wear the captain's armband. When I read: "Football: Beckham resigns as England captain" on the sports tickerbar the following day, I almost felt nothing. Almost. But in my mind were images of him in white and red over the years--either I think that or start crying my heart out. I hope he will still be able to get his wish of capping 100 for his country though--he's currently at 95. After all, he's still the squad's free kick specialist. And I hope that he realizes that winning a WC does not measure a player but what he has done to impact the game--and you can't find him wanting there.

On July 2, 2006 in Baden Baden, Germany a David Beckham barely able to hold back tears read:

"On 15 November 2000 Peter Taylor gave me the greatest honour of my career in making me captain of England and fulfilling my childhood dream. Now almost six years later, having been captain for 58 of my 95 caps, I feel the time is right to pass on the armband as we enter in a new era under Steve McLaren.

It has been an honour and a privilege to have captained our country and I want to stress that I wish to continue to play for England and look forward to helping both the new captain and Steve McLaren in any way I can. I came to this decision some time ago but I had hoped to announce it on the back of a successful World Cup - sadly that wasn't to be.

This decision has been the most difficult of my career to date. But after discussing it with my family and the closest to me I feel it is the time is right.

Our performance during this World Cup has not been enough to progress and both myself and all the players regret that and are hurt by that more than people realise. I wish to thank all the players for their support during my time as captain, as well - Peter Taylor, Sven and all the coaches. I would also like to thank the press and of course the England supporters who have been both great to me and my teammates and I want them to know for me it has been an absolute honour.

Finally I have lived the dream. I am extremely proud to have worn the armband and been captain of England and for that I will always be grateful.

Thank you."

Thank you for five years and a half worth of leadership, of both good and bad memories, of lessons learned, of proving critics wrong, of the never-failing tonsorial entertainment in the international stage. Life goes on from here but the near to six years past are worth reliving.

Living Goldenballs--My 7th Red Devil

David Beckham's notoriety due to his sending off in the 1998 World Cup did earn him the title the Bad Boy of England. But that only added to his appeal. (Wasn't James Dean a bad boy himself?) Practically all of England hated him for 'costing' them the country's chances in the tournament. But his fellow Manchester United and England teammate Phil Neville predicted that an even better David Beckham would come out because of the incident. And he was right. In true Beckham fashion, he emerged from the shadow of that red card like the true warrior he was--and still is.

And so my sports news viewing took a dramatic turn in '98. Every other sports news and scores took a backseat--behind Becks news and ManUnited match results. But it irked me to think that I wasn't a Becks fan way back in the '96/'87 season. Because that was when he scored a goal from the halfway line. They were playing against Wimbledom and out of the blue, the young talent scored from sixty yards out. Poor keeper! But thanks to Beckham-mania these days, footage of that wonderful goal is frequently being replayed on different sports programs. And it never fails to put a smile on my face!

Manchester United FC's home pitch, the Old Trafford, soon became my football home. It wasn't difficult to do that. ManUnited was the reigning club in England leading up to the new millennium. Which wasn't really a big surprise since majority of the squad were composed of the winners of the 1994 FA Youth Cup--veterans of the club's youth academy. Talents the likes of Ryan Giggs, Nicky Butt, brothers Gary and Phil Neville, and David Beckham kept the Red Devils on top form. The last had already been recognized as Young Footballer of the Year by both SkySports/Panasonic and the PFA (his peers) in 1996; and he was honored with the prestigious Sir Matt Busby Award the same year.

Up until the 2002-2003 season, ESPN Asia was only showing matches from the Spanish La Liga and the Italian Serie A. So I had to settle for their UEFA Champions League coverage to see ManUnited play live. True to Phil Neville's word, Becks didn't disappoint after the England tragedy of '98. The '98/'99 season was a monster season for his club. They had already won a domestic Double--the Premiership title was wrapped up on May 13 and they defeated Newcastle United on May 22 to lift the FA Cup--and they still had a chance to win a unique Treble. All throughout their Champions League campaign that year I had been waking up at odd hours in the morning ready to celebrate a ManUnited win, content myself with a draw, or suffer a loss.

I was ready for anything on May 22nd 1999, a Wednesday. I set my alarm clock for the usual two o'clock wake-up call. I still don't know what happened but I just snoozed back after it rang. The next thing I knew it was almost four in the morning. I dreaded opening the TV set because I had the feeling that Bayen Munich was already lifting the silverware. My dread was not unfounded, after all. When I tuned in to the match, the Red Devils were a goal down since the sixth minute and there were only five minutes left in regulation. What we needed was a miracle.

That Thursday morning (Philippine time), the Red Devils gave me my most memorable club football match yet. Just when the German fans were about to celebrate, Becks sent in a corner that lead to a goal by substitute Teddy Sheringham to level the game. Even before the tens of thousands of spectators at Barcelona's Estadio Nuo Camp could recover from that first ManUnited goal, another Becks corner found sub Ole Gunnar Solksjaer for the winning goal. A few seconds later, the ref blew the final whistle. As a football fan, it was hard watching the anguish of the Bayern Munich players. But as a ManUnted fan, I was all smiles! Miracles do happen--even in injury time. The conquerors of England were the Champions of Europe.

In 1999, Becks was recognized as Europe's Most Valuable Player and was voted the second best in the world. For the next four years, he would help ManUnited win more games and fill the club's silverware cabinet. But then, what do you expect from someone who inherited the number seven ManUnited jersey from one of the greatest footbal legends, Eric Cantona, as well as named after ManUnited and England legend, Sir Bobby Charlton? The Bad Boy of England had redeemed himself--and had become the Golden Boy of Old Trafford.

(Originally posted at The Kookie Jar.)

Living Goldenballs--In The Beginning

February 16, 1998 was the Monday after prom weekend and I guess the affair was too much for me; I got myself a fever and had to stay home for the day. Of course, as a fifteen-year old, my idea of a rest was to lie about and watch TV. Which I did and ended up with me watching a Spice Girls concert on HBO. An hour and a half later, after two and and a half years of indifference to the globally famous fivesome, I was impressed. There was more to the girls than phenomenal marketing.

So when I got back from school the next day, I was blabbering about how great the show was. Then a friend let it slip that one of them (Posh, to be exact) happened to be dating a football player. Sports(-men) enthusiast that I am, and a sucker for romance, I couldn't not research that.

I was no stranger to sports news. I checked nightly to see the latest scores in basketball and baseball. In short, I lived by them. So it was no effort to check out this popstar-dating footballer. As the number one sport in the world, football (some aliens call it soccer) and its many clubs were always in the headlines. England's Manchester United was no different. And the first time I saw up and coming talent David Beckham and the then sun-bleached hair, I was a goner. There was no turning back. (Unfortunately for my friends, that was the start of my Beckham-worship; and it hasn't stopped or waned since.) And I saw more of him that summer because it was World Cup year. Admittedly, I didn't even know he was in the England squad until the tournament started.

As my first World Cup, France '98 was a memorable one (primarily because I won a bet as to who would win the finals--whoever heard of someone betting against the Brazilians?). But there is a memory there worth forgetting. England's quarterfinal clash against Argentina ended as a nightmare for the squad and its fans. But more so for a twenty-three-year old midfielder. After a tackle against Argentine defender Diego Simeone, Beckham was red carded and it was downhill for English lads from there. Ten-man England was eliminated and I finally realized just how much of a demi-religion football was to many people. Branded as the new Bad Boy of England, Becks became a target of football hooliganism. His family, even his grandmother, received threats.

That incident became a shadow in the Beckham history--for a few weeks, that is. Even the man himself admitted that it changed him for the better. Later that year he was recognized as Europe's Most Valuable Player and Best Midfielder. Looking back, he has redeemed himself in the eyes of his fans and critics alike in more ways than one. I'm just glad to have witnessed it--it made the better moments all the sweeter. It was a rough start but he was able to get back on his feet. I remember when he...Nah, that's another story.

(Originally posted at The Kookie Jar.)