August 17 - Beckham’s Halfway Line Strike

August 17th, 2007

BACK in the mid 1990s David Beckham was cementing his place as one of English football’s most promising young stars.

In the 1995/96 season he was a regular part of the Manchester United team that did the league and cup double and was already providing assists and goals aplenty.

It was on this day in 1996 that Beckham really became a household name when he scored a long range effort against Wimbledon from just inside his own half.

It was the first day of the season and United were already cruising and 2-0 up thanks to goals from Cantona and Irwin. Beckham received the ball near the halfway line, had a look up, and noticed Wimbledon keeper Neil Sullivan was off his line.

Despite Sullivan’s furious back peddling, a beautiful ball from Beckham’s right foot flew over his head and into the back of the net.

Beckham went on to win his first England cap a few weeks later in a World Cup qualifier against Moldova. That season, as well as winning the Premiership again, Beckham himself was voted PFA Young Player of the Year.

Have a gander at the 60 yard strike here. Commentary by Motty, who correctly predicts both Beckham’s future England involvement, and the fact the goal is still being talked about today.