Flashback: David Beckham's clutch free kick sent England to 2002 World Cup
Fifteen years ago on Thursday, David Beckham sent England to the World Cup in the most dramatic fashion.
Here's the scenario: England entered its final 2002 World Cup qualifier needing either a win or draw against Greece to secure an automatic berth. Greece was in fourth place in Group 9 entering the match with just six points, but the underdogs held a 2–1 lead at Old Trafford in stoppage time.
After Greece committed a foul outside the box, roughly 30 yards out from goal, David Beckham lined up to take the free kick. It was England's last shot at automatic qualification.
Then this happened.
The draw sent England to the World Cup, as Germany's draw with Finland put the Germans in the playoff round. Of course, Germany ended up reaching the Word Cup final while England crashed out in the quarterfinals.
The goal remains one of the most iconic moments of Beckham's career.
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