SYDNEY - England star David Beckham overcame an injury scare to score from a trademark free-kick as Los Angeles Galaxy were beaten 5-3 by Hyundai A-League side Sydney FC at the Telstra Stadium.
The former England captain's left ankle collapsed under his body in the 28th minute before Sydney midfielder Brendon Santalab slid into him after losing his footing in the greasy conditions.
Beckham received attention for around a minute before hobbling back into the fray and recovering to find the net from around 25 yards just before half-time, to rapturous applause from the 80,295 crowd.
Sydney led 3-0 at the time through goals to Alex Brosque (two) and Ruben Zadkovich.
Beckham, who played the full 90 minutes, and Edson Buddle replied for the Galaxy before Robbie Middleby added a fourth for Sydney FC and Iain Fyfe rounded off the hosts' scoring three minutes from time.
Landon Donovan scored a consolation goal for the Galaxy at the death but the Major League Soccer outfit finished the game with 10 men after Kevin Harmse was sent off for a 77th-minute foul.
Beckham is confident his switch to play in Major League Soccer is no handicap to his international aspirations - and he sees new Galaxy coach Ruud Gullit as a significant ally.
He sees no reason why he should not be involved for England at the 2010 finals - at the age of 35.
"I believe I can - because I'm one of those players who keeps on top of his fitness," he told BBC1's Inside Sport.
"Whether I am playing in America or Spain, wherever I am playing, I will be fit enough to play for my country. My fitness - which everybody has gone on about - is not a problem."
Beckham admits the injuries which curtailed his first season for Galaxy were a significant irritation.
"It has been frustrating," he said.
"To be put into a team and a new country and not be able to perform has been frustrating.
"You want to get out there and be able to play - with the injuries, I have not been able to do that."
He is therefore all the more intent on proving himself at a level he concedes is not as high as either England or Spain's top flights.
"It is lower than the Premiership and La Liga - I would say it is First Division [Coca-Cola Championship]," he said.
The arrival of Gullit has made Beckham still more optimistic for his future.
"Ruud is very talented - and that is one thing that will be great for me," he said.
"If I want to play for my country I need to still be fit - and Ruud will definitely have me fit."
