Beckham penalty outrage ball lands on eBay

€3,500 and rising

By Lester Haines • Get more from this author

Posted in Bootnotes, 15th July 2004 11:19 GMT

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The ball which David "Goldennads" Beckham thundered over the bar during the Euro 2004 penalty shoot-out against Portugal has landed on eBay.

Of course, we all know that it was a combination of the heat/tiredness/the Swiss referee/the atmospheric pressure/Wayne Rooney's injury/the penalty spot/the "Roteiro" ball which saw England's "Lions" crash out of the tournament. Accordingly, it's hardly surprising that the leather sphere which contributed to a nation's despair is considered a bit of a trophy:

The Official Match Ball used on the game against Portugal, that left UK out of the Europe Cup, the same ball of the penalty, that David Beckham miss, will be auctioned on eBay. Pablo Carral, a fan, catched the ball and he took it out from the stadium.

Is the Official Europe Cup Match Ball, made in Thailand. It has the date of the game, the 24th of June 2004, also the place of the celebration, da Luz of Lisbon stadium.

Don’t loose this great and unique chance!!!

Place a bid now!!!

The bidding currently stands at an entirely reasonable €3,500. To be honest, we're surprised that the official England supporter's club hasn't placed a pitch yet. After all, its members could have a whip-round and present the offending item to Beckham as a cherished memento of England's most memorable balls-up. ®