Beckham's LA Galaxy thrash Philippine team 6-1

Posted Sunday, December 04, 2011 by YAHOO Sport

Los Angeles Galaxy trounced the Philippine national team, 6-1 Saturday, including one goal from superstar David Beckham, in front of a cheering local crowd that included boxing hero Manny Pacquiao.

While praising the Philippine Azkals for their talent and spirit, LA Galaxy coach Bruce Arena said the MLS champion's stamina and style of play eventually won out.

"The Filipinos played a good game in the first half but we wore them out in the second half because of our fast pace," Arena said after the friendly match in a nearly-packed Manila stadium.

Some 10,000 people showed up for the game in a country where football has been deeply overshadowed by the national past time basketball, eager to set eyes on the superstar of the LA Galaxy's Asian tour, David Beckham.

Among those in the crowd was Philippine boxing hero Manny Pacquiao, whom Beckham gifted with his shirt in the second half.

"I wanted to play in front of Pacquiao. I think he's not only a gifted athlete but a good man," Beckham said later.

The Philippine team initially managed to keep up with the LA Galaxy with its star player Phil Younghusband scoring the team's only goal in the first half, causing the crowd to explode with joy.

But in the second half, the LA Galaxy scored four more goals as the Filipinos' defence weakened.

"We lost our concentration and we lacked conditioning," the Azkals' German coach Michael Weiss said afterwards.

The visit of the LA Galaxy, particularly Beckham, has further boosted the popularity of football in this country.

Football has been gaining more fans in the Philippines in recent years due largely to the strong showing of the Azkals in international tournaments.

Younghusband has also become a local sex symbol, adding to the sport's lustre.

LA Galaxy departs on Sunday for Australia for the last leg of their Asian tour.