Brilliant Beckham gets his revenge

England's victory - in pictures

David Beckham today took revenge against Argentina, leading England to a pulsating victory over his old enemies.

In a match that brought the country to a standstill, Sven-Goran Eriksson's men deservedly won 1-0 at the Sapporo Dome, thanks to a Beckham penalty.

In the 42nd minute, Michael Owen ran at defender Mauricio Pochettino and was tripped. Referee Perluigi Collina pointed at the spot.

The stadium hushed as Beckham stepped up and struck the penalty with terrific force almost straight at goalkeeper Pablo Cavallero. It rocketed into the net.

Four years ago Beckham was sent off for kicking at Diego Simeone in the defeat at France '98. Today Beckham gave a true captain's performance. His every kick was illuminated by hundreds of camera flashbulbs and the thousands of English fans went mad when he scored.

After Sweden's 2-1 defeat of Nigeria earlier in Kobe, the win means England join the Swedes at the top of the "Group of Death" and need only a draw against Nigeria next Wednesday to secure a place in the second round.

The game, played at frenetic pace, was a bruising physical battle. England, lacklustre against Sweden last Sunday, played with real purpose. Owen almost scored a carbon copy of the scintillating goal against Argentina in 1998, hitting the post after running at the defence.