BECKHAM FASHIONS A NEW FORM OF REVENGE

Beckham preparing for Batty & Co

When David Beckham was famously sent off after kicking out at Diego Simeone at the past FIFA World Cup™ it marked a turning part in his football career.

Many professionals would have crumbled following the slating the midfielder received in the national press and by the fans whenever Manchester United travelled for away fixtures. The 23-year-old’s impetuous challenge, which reduced England to 10-men against Argentina in the Round of 16, was blamed for the loss (on penalties, 2-2 aet) to their bitter rivals and branded a disgrace.

But instead of depressing the young hopeful, it made a man of Beckham. He went on to produce his finest football helping his club win the Champions League the following season, hushing away supporters with consistently brilliant performances, adding substance to style while taking over the England captaincy like a duck to water.

Now four years later, the man meets his maker again in one of the duels of the competition. Coincidentally, both Beckham and Simeone have recovered from injuries and are almost definite starters for perhaps the most eagerly anticipated match of the opening round. There is also the added spice that England need the win following their 1-1 draw against Sweden in Group F while Argentina can be more cagey after their opening 1-0 win versus Nigeria.

 "When I'm asked about what happened or why did I do it, I've always said that I didn't want it to happen...but it's made me the person and the player I am today," said Beckham about the tackle.

There has been no phoney war of words before tomorrow night's classic. In fact, players have gone out their way to be respectful to each other. Beckham, himself, has refused to criticise the Lazio hardman for the way he contributed to the sending off despite the incessant promptings of reporters.

"As (Diego) Maradona said about their team, they're cunning players and if they can use things to gain the advantage, then they'll do that," he said. "The English are not as cunning as that. We're professionals, we wouldn't expect our players to play certain tricks ... it's different mentalities."

 Promote Harmony

Three FIFA World Cup confrontations in the past have produced some classic and controversial matches. At England 66, Antonio Rattin’s sending off, Maradona’s "hand of God" goal at Mexico 86 (four years after the Falklands War) and Beckham’s sending off at France 98, mean that Friday’s clash between the nations thousands of miles apart will take the form of a bitter rivalry.

However, Beckham has done more to promote harmony than bring back old, bitter memories. He spoke highly of his club colleague Juan Veron. Argentina’s key player and man of the match in their opening match will be out to prove a point after a less than successful first season in the English Premier League.

"A player of his ability could destroy any team, let alone us when we come up against him, although we've got the players to combat that," he said. "All the criticism that 'Seba' has got this season has been so unfair - he's one of the best midfielders in the world."

While Beckham has certainly confirmed he can talk the talk in his first finals as England captain, his team’s chances may lie with the recovery of a certain metatarsal bone and whether he is able to walk the walk. There would be no better way to respond to Simeone’s antics four years ago, than by leading his country to victory over their rivals. It will complete a perfect cycle for the world’s most popular player.

 We wish you all the best Skipper !