Becks MLS debut...predictions?

[The_Worlds_finest]

I say he gets a goal from a 30 yard free kick....

[MaNuMaNiAc]

Yesterday, I was reading SI.com and came across an excerpt that compared Beckham with George Best... and stopped reading after that. The amount of hype the press likes to throw around (specially in the States) is unbelievable!

pff... comparing Beckham to perhaps the greatest football player the UK has ever produced :lmao its just sad how little knowledge of the sport some people have...

To answer the question I think Beckham won't score a goal in his debut

[Evan]

They compared him to George Best? Are you serious?

[The_Worlds_finest]

I've seen him compared to pele, zidane, ronaldo, maradona and many other greats that have won the world cup. No doubt he is an excellent footballer, but no way a superstar.

[Spurologist]

Yesterday, I was reading SI.com and came across an excerpt that compared Beckham with George Best... and stopped reading after that. The amount of hype the press likes to throw around (specially in the States) is unbelievable!

pff... comparing Beckham to perhaps the greatest football player the UK has ever produced :lmao its just sad how little knowledge of the sport some people have...

To answer the question I think Beckham won't score a goal in his debut

Comparing him with Beastie would just be flat out stupid. That's why I'm thinking the reporter was probably comparing the IMPACT Best had when he came to the North American Soccer League. He had a lot of success with the same city that Beckham will be joining - Los Angeles Aztecs. He prime was definately behind him, as with beckham, but he had success scoring and was a great mid fielder. I won't even put it past comparing his impact with Pele. His name alone was create sellout after sellout. The question is how long the dream will live on. Beckham will needs more star attractions to keep fans interested.

Pele was on the same boat. It wasn't until after Giorgio Chinaglia, Beckenbauer, and Alberto arrived that soccer was at its peak in North America with the New York Cosmos.

Word on the street is that Jay Jay Okocha will be joining Real Salt Lake. Blanco will help with attendance. I still think Zidane should join Becks in LA.

I'm going a bit off topic but got a Link for the comparison??

[Soul_Patch]

becks has always been a one dimensional player. He can sell a lot of jerseys, but there are so many out there that are far better.

[Avitus1]

I dont see him scoring in his debut but I see the arena selling more tickets then ever.

[mardigan]

He'll get an assist and the Galaxy will win

[samikeyp]

I see Posh bringing the world's most expensive orange slices for halftime.

:lol


(I keed, I keed)

[johnsmith]

I see Posh bringing the world's most expensive orange slices for halftime.

:lol


(I keed, I keed)



:lmao :lmao :lmao :lmao :lmao :lmao :lmao :lmao

[John McClane]

I see Posh bringing the world's most expensive orange slices for halftime.

:lol


(I keed, I keed)

Now that was a fucking statement. Very good.

[duncan228]

I'm in Southern California and in my sports section today they called him "arguably the world's most famous athlete."

I don't follow soccer and of course I know who he is anyway.
But the world's most famous athlete?

I must be missing something. Maybe I need to watch.
Or maybe not. I'm sure my local newspaper will keep me well informed!

http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/sports/abox/article_1766937.php

[MaNuMaNiAc]

hey, it could be true, but if it is true, its definitely NOT because of his football skills. He's just an above average football player, nothing more.

[Soul_Patch]

Well i think its an assumption based on the fact that football (soccer) is the most watched sport world wide, and he is one of the most recognized faces / names in the sport. So put 2 and 2 together, and you could safely assume that he is the worlds most famous athlete.


Like stated previously though, there are people out there who outplay him by far, that and he is aging, so what ammount of skill he did have, is deteriorating.

[scott]

20 goals by intermission

[txdixiechick]

***Let me preface this by saying I think David Beckham is the sexiest man alive, and I have thought that long before he even though of coming to the US to play***

Beckham has the POTENTIAL to change the face of football in the US. He will probably be under tremendous pressure to perform at a world-class level in a mediocre league.

I've read many articles that claim Beckham's arrival in the US is a British invasion on the level of the Beatles (I disagree, but that's what I have seen in the media).

Needless to say, I see two possible outcomes for his debut.

#1- He will not perform well, and crumble under the pressure.

#2- He will kick some ass, and America will find a new sport to love.

Personally, I hope the later happens.

[txdixiechick]

if pele couldn't keep soccer pops in america, no way beckham does

I disagree. I know what I am about to say is gonna ruffle some feathers.

Pele was not white. He never had a chance, especially during the time he was really popular.

Beckham is white. Unfortunately, he has a better chance to succeed in America because of his skin color.

America's past of racial discrimination and racial tensions still rears its ugly head in today's world.

Just MHO.

[CubanMustGo]

Becks still has a bum ankle and could hardly practice today. Funny how it didn't seem to bother him in any of the weekend media outings. A sign of things to come?

http://uk.reuters.com/article/UK_SOCCER/idUKN1637904520070717

CARSON, California (Reuters) - David Beckham, carefully protecting his swollen left ankle, played a low-key role at his first official training session with the Los Angeles Galaxy at the Home Depot Center on Monday.

Watched by a crowd of around 1,000, the England midfielder focused mainly on strengthening exercises and close-range kicking while his new team mates were put through their paces in a full workout.

Although Beckham is eager to make his first appearance for the Galaxy in an exhibition match with FA Cup holders Chelsea Saturday, his new head coach Frank Yallop is adopting a cautious approach.

"Obviously we want to get him in the team as quickly as we can but we don't want to put him in any danger of re-injuring it," Yallop told a news conference.

"I think it has responded after the last two days. The swelling has come down but he's not moving around and feeling as comfortable as he should.

"These types of injuries can quickly heal up and each day it is getting better and better. We are hoping that it heals quickly and he can have some part in the game on Saturday."

Beckham, signed by the Galaxy from Real Madrid on a five-year deal worth $32.5 million (16 million pounds), twisted his ankle while playing for England against Estonia in a Euro 2008 qualifying match last month.

[CubanMustGo]

I disagree. I know what I am about to say is gonna ruffle some feathers.

Pele was not white. He never had a chance, especially during the time he was really popular.

Beckham is white. Unfortunately, he has a better chance to succeed in America because of his skin color.

America's past of racial discrimination and racial tensions still rears its ugly head in today's world.

Just MHO.

That's why the NBA is so unpopular. :rolleyes

[DarkReign]

Soccer/futbol whatever.

All I have to say is, Beckham sounds like a prepubescent. He has, by far, the worst voice I think I have ever heard.

And that cockney accent, and his stupid wife who has less charisma than an apple tree (and is NOT hot).

I hope he eneters the game, promptly gets tackled and is injured the rest of his career so I dont have to see that shit anymore on Sportscenter. Futbol Im sure is wonderful the world around, but it is not and never will be in the US (thank God), I dont care what aging import they bring in.

[hater]

Soccer/futbol whatever.

All I have to say is, Beckham sounds like a prepubescent. He has, by far, the worst voice I think I have ever heard.

And that cockney accent, and his stupid wife who has less charisma than an apple tree (and is NOT hot).

I hope he eneters the game, promptly gets tackled and is injured the rest of his career so I dont have to see that shit anymore on Sportscenter. Futbol Im sure is wonderful the world around, but it is not and never will be in the US (thank God), I dont care what aging import they bring in.

what a ray of sunshine

[duncan228]

Today's article in my local paper.
One camera to do nothing but stay on him!

Beckham's status remains in doubt

By MIGUEL A. MELENDEZ
The Orange County Register

CARSON – Four light drills.

It hardly constitutes as practice but that's what fans got when they flocked to The Home Depot Center to watch David Beckham's first practice with the Galaxy on Monday afternoon.

It was a game-like experience inside the stadium. There was a security detail, metal detectors at every entrance and concession stands were open. Approximately 1,000 fans attended.

Music blasted through the speakers and the game announcer welcomed fans and made his usual advertisement announcements.

All eyes, flashes and cameras were on Beckham, who took part in some kicking and stretching drills. He was limited because his left ankle is swollen, and he is listed day to day.

Beckham watched the rest of his Galaxy teammates in a scrimmage. Practice concluded with the team and Beckham clapping in a show of appreciation for the fans who attended.

Just like that, it was all over.

The Galaxy, English-power Chelsea FC, Samsung Bluewings of Korea and UANL Tigres of Mexico kick off today's World Series of Football at The Home Depot Center.

But the buzz is surrounding Beckham, who arrived from England after a near month-long break after his final match with Real Madrid.

The international icon is expected to make his debut on Saturday against Chelsea, but team officials are exercising caution before making any commitments.

"Obviously he's not done too much in the last two days," Galaxy coach Frank Yallop said. "We want to get him on the field as quick as we can, but we don't want to put him in any danger.

"He had a long flight; it swelled up a little bit up there. He's not as comfortable as he should be, but these kinds of injuries, they do quickly heal up, especially an ankle injury that has no structure damage."

There was a scheduled news conference after the Galaxy practice but Beckham wasn't made available.

Galaxy forward Landon Donovan shared his thoughts on Beckham's arrival.

"I don't think anyone could have prepared us for what came," Donovan said. "I was watching SportsCenter at home when they cut to him (Beckham) and Victoria coming in the airport.

"Just looking at it and the cameras I was astounded. I can't imagine what the first game will be like when he plays, maybe this weekend or after, but it's going to be interesting."

Donovan said Beckham's arrival won't necessarily mean instant success, but his presence will add a new dimension to the team's dynamic.

The Galaxy (3-5-4) has not played well this season, and any flaws that show up beginning Saturday will be seen by a new international audience because of Beckham's arrival. ESPN will televise the match against Chelsea here and in England, using 19 cameras — including one solely to follow Beckham's every move. The game is sold out.

[nkdlunch]

the main #1 reason Beckam came to MLS is because his career is finished and he sucks now. He is being more overhyped than Lebron james

[Evan]

the main #1 reason Beckam came to MLS is because his career is finished and he sucks now. He is being more overhyped than Lebron james

Besides the fact that he is at the top of his game right now. :rolleyes

You have absolutely no diea what you are talking about. Do you watch international soccer?

What part of his game do you find lacking compared to when he was younger? Really curious.

[theroc5]

Besides the fact that he is at the top of his game right now. :rolleyes

You have absolutely no diea what you are talking about. Do you watch international soccer?

What part of his game do you find lacking compared to when he was younger? Really curious.
agreed

[MaNuMaNiAc]

Besides the fact that he is at the top of his game right now. :rolleyes

You have absolutely no diea what you are talking about. Do you watch international soccer?

What part of his game do you find lacking compared to when he was younger? Really curious.:lmao @ Beckham being at the top of his game! :lmao

[Marcus Bryant]

Whatever it takes to move the MLS to the next level.

[Evan]

:lmao @ Beckham being at the top of his game! :lmao

How is he not? Please explain this.

He looks bad how? When has he looked this good before? With who? Manu or when he first got the Real Madrid? Was it with England? Where was he better?

I can't understand some of the articles I read about him on some sites stating he is past his prime. Its amusing because when word came around in he was going to leave Real there was tons of speculation on where Beckham, one of the premier players who was in his prime would go. Then it became clear he wanted to go back to the EPL but only if it was Manchester. Then it came down to him going to the MLS and suddenly he is past his prime. I don't understand how a player went from his prime to has been in the span of about 1 month. I don't watch a lot of Spanish league soccer but I catch enough and I haven't seen him losing a step.

I think people are simply annoyed by him and vent that into negativity for his talent.

[Marcus Bryant]

Beckham certainly had a resurgence with Real this year. Of course, that came after he was dropped off the national team and benched by Real.

The main issue with Beckham is can he pave the way for the MLS to be able to attract players in their prime who would otherwise be in the Premiership or La Liga or what not. This is a much different situation than when Pele joined the Cosmos 3 decades ago. You have a well run league with TV contracts, corporate sponsor depth, soccer-only stadiums, etc... Plus you also have a country which has seen a great improvement in the 'infrastructure' of the game in this country...soccer youth leagues, collegiate soccer, etc. And the country has a rapidly growing Hispanic population. Plus I would say that the access that fans today enjoy to football content from the net as well as satellite and cable football only channels has helped to foster interest in this country.

It seems like some of the carping about Beckham is driving by an underlying fear that the MLS will improve and a byproduct of that will be that the US will continue to improve in international play.

[Soul_Patch]

I honestly stopped really watching becks when he left Man U. I always thought he was a bit overrated at most spots on the pitch, but was a helluva set piece guy.


I know he had a piss poor showing in the world cup, and was fighting coming off the bench in REAL.

I assumed by those two facts that he was declining.

Ill admit i definately could be wrong.

[Evan]

I think the diff style of play hurt his game a bit.

Personally I don't like him and I am thankful ManU said no thanks. I just find the turn around in perception mind blowing once it was decided he was going to MLS.

[Soul_Patch]

lets talk about wayne rooney! :)

[Marcus Bryant]

Beckham could still be with Real. They wanted him back and contacted the Galaxy to that end. Anyways, I think most are missing the larger point, which is not about the greatness of Beckham's game, but rather using his celebrity to raise the attractiveness of the MLS to other stars who are perhaps in their prime.

[Evan]

lol....

I love him. I don't want him to change a thing.

[Soul_Patch]

Beckham could still be with Real. They wanted him back and contacted the Galaxy to that end. Anyways, I think most are missing the larger point, which is not about the greatness of Beckham's game, but rather using his celebrity to raise the attractiveness of the MLS to other stars who are perhaps in their prime.


I just dont see that happening. There are very very few teams out there that make enough money, much less willing to pay people like the rooney's, henry's, owen's, etc of the soccer world. Plus there just really isnt any history in the MLS...it doesnt mean as much to these guys as it does competing in the big cup races in europe.

[Marcus Bryant]

I just dont see that happening. There are very very few teams out there that make enough money, much less willing to pay people like the rooney's, henry's, owen's, etc of the soccer world. Plus there just really isnt any history in the MLS...it doesnt mean as much to these guys as it does competing in the big cup races in europe.

Perhaps history is being made. There will be more viewers for the MLS with Beckham on board worldwide and that means more $ flowing into the MLS coffers to spend on talent.

[duncan228]

My local paper's opinion on why Beckham can't sell soccer to America.
List at end of article on other "Sports Busts"

http://www.ocregister.com/sports/beckham-soccer-won-1770698-sport-most

Beckham likely can't sell soccer in U.S.

RANDY YOUNGMAN

My apologies for raining on David Beckham's parade, but even if his swollen ankle ever permits him to return to the field and honor his reported five-year, multi-million dollar contract with the Galaxy, there's a very good chance he'll eventually join the list of the biggest busts in the history of pro sports. (And I'm not talking about the Lingerie Bowl.)

If Beckham, one of the most recognized athletes on other parts of the planet, has come to Southern California to try to turn soccer into a major team sport in America, he is doomed to failure.

"My real goal is to take soccer to a different level here," he said at his introductory news conference Friday at The Home Depot Center. "If I can do that, then I'll be very proud of that. If I can't, it won't be for want of trying.

"Hopefully, it's going to encourage other players to come over to the States to be a part of this, because I think, potentially, soccer in America could be a lot bigger than what it is at the moment."

No offense to Beckham, but I've been listening to people predict the soccer boom in America since the 1970s, when the now-defunct North American Soccer League showcased such international stars as Pele, Franz Beckenbauer, Giorgio Chinaglia, Johan Cruyff, Trevor Francis, George Best, Rodney Marsh and Oscar Fabbiani, all of whom together couldn't spark national fascination with the world's most popular sport.

I saw all of them play in person, and, yes, I was amazed by their considerable skills. I'll never forget the day I saw Francis, then playing for the Detroit Express, score from 35 yards out on a bicycle kick — that means with his back to the goal, leaving his feet to kick the ball back over his head — against the Tampa Bay Rowdies.

Can't decide whether that was the single greatest goal I've seen or whether it was Wayne Gretzky scoring from behind the net, by whacking the puck off the back of a defenseman's skate, to help the Kings upset Toronto in Game 7 of the 1993 Western Conference finals.

I also watched the Rowdies and New York Cosmos draw sellout crowds at Tampa Stadium and Giants Stadium, respectively, in the '70s. Even so, the sport never took off nationally, perhaps because most of the stars were part-timers on loan from their foreign teams and there weren't enough great American players back then. But the predicted booms in the '80s and '90s didn't happen, either.

Soccer, for whatever reasons, is an acquired taste, featuring nuances and intricacies not tied to scoring, and one mega-star isn't going to change that. Ask Pele.

I do believe Gretzky primarily was responsible for the expansion of NHL hockey to warm-weather cities in the U.S., but Beckham's skills are not likely to capture the imagination of our scoring-obsessed sports fans.

By the time his five-year contract expires, the catch-phrase "bend it like Beckham" likely will have been replaced by "spend it like Beckham."

It won't be his fault, and it won't be fair, but Beckham likely will join these lists of sports' biggest busts, taking his place alongside "Disco Demolition Night" at Comiskey Park, the XFL, Dennis Miller on "Monday Night Football," Bode Miller, the Ducks' "Iceman" and the Angels' Rally Monkey:

Heisman flops:Charlie Ward, Eric Crouch, Andre Ware, Gino Torretta, Danny Wuerffel, Ron Dayne, Desmond Howard and Ty Detmer.

NFL:Ki-Jana Carter, Ryan Leaf, Tony Mandarich, Brian Bosworth, Lawrence Phillips, Todd Marinovich, Art Schlichter, Rick Mirer, Ricky Williams and Russell Erxleben (the first and perhaps last punter/kicker drafted in the first round).

NBA:Chris Washburn, Ralph Sampson, Sam Bowie (the guy drafted ahead of Michael Jordan), Bo Kimble, Jon Koncak, Stanley Roberts, Roy Tarpley and Kwame Brown.

Baseball:Brien Taylor, Todd Van Poppel, David Clyde and Michael Jordan.

Feel free to send me your nominations.

And good luck to David Beckham. He'll need it.


Contact the writer: [email protected]

[Marcus Bryant]

If you expect that Beckham will somehow raise soccer to the point where it supplants baseball, basketball, or football in the US, then yeah, that's an easy column to write.

MLS > NASL, for starters.

2007 US > 1970s US for soccer.

[dallaskd]

vbookie?

[Jelly]

I disagree. I know what I am about to say is gonna ruffle some feathers.

Pele was not white. He never had a chance, especially during the time he was really popular.

Beckham is white. Unfortunately, he has a better chance to succeed in America because of his skin color.

America's past of racial discrimination and racial tensions still rears its ugly head in today's world.

Just MHO.

ummm.....yeah....that's why Michael Jordan is still considered the most popular and marketable athlete of all time in America...despite the fact he hasn't played in years.

It has nothing to do with Beckham's skin color, it's because he's good looking and has a celebrity wife. Period. That's the only reason for all this attention. In fact, I'd bet the five most popular and admired athletes in American sports history are black. I'm sorry, but you're just spewing crap. If you harbor your own racial tensions to deal with, do so, but don't apologize for the rest of us.

[Avitus1]

I dont see him scoring in his debut but I see the arena selling more tickets then ever.

So far.. I was right ;-)

[SAtown]

Well, he played less than 15 minutes in a meaningless game, which is exactly what I expected. I still think they should have saved him for next week or later.

[theroc5]

He played as good as a person can in 13 min on one ankle.

[MaNuMaNiAc]

and he'll keep playing like this on two :lol Beckham can't do shit without a great supporting cast. Geez, Beckham has always been just an above average role player, and that isn't going to change simply because he moved to the US.

[SAtown]

He started warming up towards the end of the 1st half, so my guess is that he will play most (if not all) of the second half tonight.

DC 1 - 0 LA Halftime

[MaNuMaNiAc]

:lmao still think Beckham is going to save the MLS?

[Jelly]

and he'll keep playing like this on two :lol Beckham can't do shit without a great supporting cast. Geez, Beckham has always been just an above average role player, and that isn't going to change simply because he moved to the US.

Then the rest of the world is a bunch of suckers for making him out to be a superstar for the last ten years. Another reason for the U.S. to blow off soccer entirely. But seriously, sounds to me like you just don't like the guy and you are VASTLY underestimating his talent on the soccer field (pitch). I'll be charitable and give the rest of the world the benefit of the doubt and assume that you are just blowing a shitload of smoke, instead of assuming the they've has been worshipping a non-talent for all these years.

And please don't answer with how he rates right now. We know he's not at his prime and there is a Beckham backlash. Doesn't change the fact that he was lauded for all those years as being a fantastic soccer player.

And NOTHING is going to change America's attitude toward soccer. It will always remain a minority sport that kids play, but adults will never watch on a pro level. We've got our own sports thank you very much.

[Jelly]

:lmao still think Beckham is going to save the MLS?

And give the MLS some credit. They obviously aren't on the scale of the other organizations, but they are full of soccer devotees who dedicate their lives to the game despite the little recognition they get in their own country. So they can't compete as well as France, Italy etc. on a global scale (although I do believe there was a draw against Italy in the world cup and they made it to the quarter finals?) so they can't be all bad. Please stop being so snide.

[MaNuMaNiAc]

Then the rest of the world is a bunch of suckers for making him out to be a superstar for the last ten years. Another reason for the U.S. to blow off soccer entirely. But seriously, sounds to me like you just don't like the guy and you are VASTLY underestimating his talent on the soccer field (pitch). I'll be charitable and give the rest of the world the benefit of the doubt and assume that you are just blowing a shitload of smoke, instead of assuming the they've has been worshipping a non-talent for all these years.

And please don't answer with how he rates right now. We know he's not at his prime and there is a Beckham backlash. Doesn't change the fact that he was lauded for all those years as being a fantastic soccer player.

And NOTHING is going to change America's attitude toward soccer. It will always remain a minority sport that kids play, but adults will never watch on a pro level. We've got our own sports thank you very much.Wrong Jelly. The only things that have made Beckham the star he is today are his wife and his good looks. In fact you can pretty much thank the english tabloid for making him. The man never was, is or will be anything more than a good role player. Everyone in the soccer world knows this.


But seriously, sounds to me like you just don't like the guy and you are VASTLY underestimating his talent on the soccer field (pitch).:lol is that right? tell me Shelly, how much football do you watch? I'm fairly certain I know more about what Beckham is capable than you do, seeing as I actually like the sport and all.

and just to be clear, I wasn't trying to be snide. The "save the mls" bit was in response to an earlier comment by someone (can't remember whom exactly). My point is the problem the MLS is facing right now is not something one player is going to fix. It has to do with what American's like, and apparently that doesn't seem to be football.


And NOTHING is going to change America's attitude toward soccer. It will always remain a minority sport that kids play, but adults will never watch on a pro level. We've got our own sports thank you very muchyes, I'm the one being snide :rolleyes

[Jelly]

Wrong Jelly. The only things that have made Beckham the star he is today are his wife and his good looks. In fact you can pretty much thank the english tabloid for making him. The man never was, is or will be anything more than a good role player. Everyone in the soccer world knows this.

:lol is that right? tell me Shelly, how much football do you watch? I'm fairly certain I know more about what Beckham is capable than you do, seeing as I actually like the sport and all.

and just to be clear, I wasn't trying to be snide. The "save the mls" bit was in response to an earlier comment by someone (can't remember whom exactly). My point is the problem the MLS is facing right now is not something one player is going to fix. It has to do with what American's like, and apparently that doesn't seem to be football.

yes, I'm the one being snide :rolleyes

You're right that you know more about the sport as I would rather have a root canal than be forced to watch it. HOWEVER, there are a gazillion sports writers (non-American...American writers stick to our own sports by and large) who know more (dare I say a lot more than even you!!gasp!!!) about the sport, who sing Beckhams praises and consider him an elite athlete. That has been the case for years. It is not just England that follows him. When I was in Panama, Germany, Portugal, Italy and Spain, Beckham was covered heavily and I saw Beckham shirts all over the place, same thing as much of Europe. So you hate the fact the an Anglo-Saxon is one of the biggest stars of soccer. Get over it. It's not just an English thing and it didn't just start when he started going out with that Spice Tramp.

[MajorMike]

Who?

[TDMVPDPOY]

dude just scored 2 goals on free kicks in a win....

[resistanze]

2 goals? pretty sure he scored one and assisted another. he had another FK blocked...

[mardigan]

:lmao still think Beckham is going to save the MLS?
He was pretty damn entertaining last night

[SAtown]

Gooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo oooooooooool :smchode:

[Soul_Patch]

yep...he is a free kick wizard...hence the dumbass movie about him.

Ive never seen a better set shot taker than beckham...

[resistanze]

yep...he is a free kick wizard...hence the dumbass movie about him.

Ive never seen a better set shot taker than beckham...
Juninho!

[Holt's Cat]

If Beckham was Argentinian, he'd use his fists.

[MaNuMaNiAc]

You're right that you know more about the sport as I would rather have a root canal than be forced to watch it. HOWEVER, there are a gazillion sports writers (non-American...American writers stick to our own sports by and large) who know more (dare I say a lot more than even you!!gasp!!!) about the sport, who sing Beckhams praises and consider him an elite athlete. That has been the case for years. It is not just England that follows him. When I was in Panama, Germany, Portugal, Italy and Spain, Beckham was covered heavily and I saw Beckham shirts all over the place, same thing as much of Europe. So you hate the fact the an Anglo-Saxon is one of the biggest stars of soccer. Get over it. It's not just an English thing and it didn't just start when he started going out with that Spice Tramp.I never said the man wasn't popular, I said he was merely a good role player. I never said he wasn't good, but he's not elite. His popularity has more to do with his good looks and of late the insane overhyping by the American media.

I don't know what writers you've been reading, but just like in every sport, there are writers and then there are writers.


So you hate the fact the an Anglo-Saxon is one of the biggest stars of soccer. Get over it:lmao see, this is how I know you don't know shit about the sport. Why would I hate an Anglo-Saxon football star? They invented the damn sport! but if you're going to start talking about great Anglo-Saxon football stars, talk about Alan Shearer, or perhaps Gary Lineker or maybe Kevin Keegan, how about George Best? don't bring pretty boy Beckham into that discussion, he's famous, not great.

[theroc5]

Hes playing awesome right now!

[SAtown]

Juninho!

Agreed, Juninho > Beckham in FKs. It just sucks most of us never get to see him until the Champions League

[TDMVPDPOY]

that game where they won 2-0 drew 66000 ppl into the stadium...thats alot...