Beckham’s charms thunder Down Under

The Galaxy scored two more goals in the second half, but lost 5-3 to Sydney. Beckham, trailed by paparazzi and constantly under the media gaze at a series of celebrity and sponsor events since arriving on Sunday, fulfilled his playing obligations in Sydney.

“It was an entertaining match for the 80,000 fans. That’s what they wanted, to see some goals , a bit of an exhibition—they got that.”

His first game in Australia could have been over after 27 minutes with the Galaxy behind 2-0, when Beckham lost his footing and was knocked over in a collision with Sydney midfielder Brendon Santalab.

Santalab slipped as he covered Beckham, knocking over the midfielder and creating a hush over Sydney’s Olympic stadium. Beckham was clutching his left ankle, but got up and continued.

The Galaxy reportedly sold 20,000 jerseys in Australia. Sydney, who attract an average of 15,200, sold a record number of seats for a club soccer match ever in Australia.