Beckham’s Dubai debut draws 18,000

Dubai, Jan 7, 2009 (WAM) - The flag of St George, the symbol of England, was visible in the stands behind the goal, the Abu Dhabi-based daily THE NATIONAL reported.

David Beckham was in town and his fans wanted to make sure he knew they were behind him, a vociferous cheer going up each time he touched the ball.

Whether what he did with it was good or bad didn’t matter. To see their England hero playing in the Emirates for the first time was all that counted.

His debut for AC Milan was at The Sevens ground, against Hamburg SV of Germany, and they were out to witness it in force. The crowd was estimated at 18,000.

There were still traffic queues after kick-off, with adults and children rushing to catch a glimpse of Beckham in his 45 minutes of action. This was one of those occasions to ignore the fact it was a school night.
Elizabeth Turner had spent Christmas in Dubai, but extended her stay with eight others so she could see Beckham in action.

Ms Turner, who supports Oldham Athletic, said: “It’s just absolutely amazing to see him playing here.

“We have just been watching him and I thought he played really well. I spent a year in Italy and he will love it there.”

The football was almost irrelevant, but Beckham certainly tried to make a good impression on his new teammates as he started his short loan spell from the Los Angeles Galaxy.

He hustled, he harried, searching for the ball and trying to inspire. He did not hide.
One raking 30-yard ball failed to come off and he was dispossessed by Paolo Guerrero on the right wing, almost leading to a Hamburg chance.

But he was also involved in the best first-half chance for his side, breaking forward and setting up Andriy Shevchenko. The ball broke for Alexandre Pato and the talented Brazilian teenager struck a low shot that was saved by Wolfgang Hesl.

A free kick was awarded 30 yards out, but Beckham resisted the urge to go for goal and his curling cross was easily cleared.
As expected, the English star was replaced at the break. Kaka, the Brazil international, was not risked and it was left to his international teammate Ronaldinho to provide some samba style.

The ball-juggling Brazilian did oblige with the opening goal in the 62nd minute, a coolly-taken penalty after Massimo Ambrosini went down in the box.

It was disputed, but Hamburg deservedly levelled when Collin Benjamin blasted home.

Later, Milan were indebted to their Brazilian keeper Dida for two good saves to deny Paolo Guerrero and then David Jarolim, the captain of the strong Hamburg side.

Then came the nerve-tingling finale – a penalty shootout to settle the 2009 Dubai Football Challenge.
Hamburg’s Thiago Neves and Dennis Aogo missed their spot kicks. With only Emerson missing for the Italians, Milan were the winners.

Beckham said: "I am still part of the national team. When I'm playing and when I'm fit the [England] manager has always said there's a chance he'll pick me.

"We will have to wait and see if I play [against Roma], but it is a special feeling every time I wear this shirt.

"I have never played in Serie A so it's probably going to be a few games before I adjust. But football is football and it won't take me long to adapt.

"I felt good out there and enjoyed it. I love playing football and when you play for clubs like Manchester United, Real Madrid and now AC Milan, it is special."

The Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti added: "To me he gave a very good impression. He showed dynamic quality and also he is an intelligent player.

"Obviously he is not at his maximum, but he had a good week with us and now he is in a good condition and can make a good contribution to the team."