Spanish papers pulled no punches in describing David Beckham's dismal debut for Real Madrid on Spanish soil in a scoreless summer trophy match against Valencia, with one paper describing it as gray as the team's shirt.
Beckham himself admitted afterward he could have had a better start.
"Mediocre Start for Beckham," said the daily El Mundo while the sports paper AS described it as a "Dud."
The leading sports daily Marca compared the "Madrid with Beckham, like the team's jersey: Grayish."
Two weeks before the Spanish League season begins, the star-studded Madrid was playing well below its best. The star midfielder, playing his fifth match for the reigning titlist since arriving from Manchester United for US$39 million in June, was substituted in the 63rd minute after making little impact.
Beckham's every move was booed by the 18,000 Valencia supporters at the Mestalla Stadium, and he drew even more ill-feeling in the 39th minute when he scythed down Spanish international Vicente Rodriguez just inside the Valencia half and received a yellow card.
Asked afterward if he thought things would improve, he said: "I'd like to think so. It couldn't get any worse," he said with a smile.
"We won the game but all the players are tired. It's been a tough week," he added. "We've been playing catch-up on training after the Far East tour ... it was a good work out. We need to get a few more games under our belts."
Madrid's Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz, who was also making his debut with the club in Spain, lacked the services of key French international midfielder Claude Makelele, who has refused to train since Madrid returned from its Far East tour due to a wage dispute.
But even without Makelele, papers pointed out how Madrid seemed to be choked with some five or six players constantly in the midfield, a problem predicted earlier in the summer with the signing of Beckham. Madrid won the game 6-5 on penalties.
Beckham was this week to join his English teammates for tomorrow's friendly game with Croatia.
Madrid visits Mallorca next Sunday for the first leg of the Super Cup and, after the second leg on Aug. 27, kicks off the defense of its title a week later at home to Real Betis. Valencia plays host to Valladolid in its opening game of the new season.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely