Friendly Wrap: Beckham and The Greeks - FanHouse - AOL Sports Blog

There was plenty of international soccer action to be had around the world yesterday as teams took time out of their busy league schedules to tune up for Euro2008 and other important distractions. The most pressing story of the day was obviously the return of David Beckham to the English national team and his 100th cap freekicking for queen and country. Overall, Becks' performance was relatively average, although he managed to send some good looking crosses and get himself a yellow card to boot. Meanwhile, the French played a conservative game that netted them some powerful counter attacks as well as Anelka's pivotal penalty. Ribery converted for the only score of a game that saw England playing too cautious for its own good.

Further Spoilers after the jump *****Spain 1 - Italy 0
Any victory over the Italians these days is worht celebrating given their recent form. Even though it is just a friendly, Spain's David Villa should be pretty popular this week for his game winner in the 76th minute. The Spanish side controlled most of the game, limiting the Italians to just 3 shots.

Portugal 1 - Greece 2
A fantastic showing by the Greek nationals as they overcame perennial contender Portugal. While the side may have been a bit watered down for this match, not even the A team could have stopped Greece's Giorgos Karaqounis. "Gorgeous" Girogos struck home two absolutely fantastic free kicks, demoralizing Portugal to send Greece to a decisive victory.

Scotland 1 - Croatia 1
A well fought drawn by the Scottish team on their home turf. Niko Krancjar opened up the scoring with his goal in the 10th minute, only to have Scotland's Kenny Miller tie things up in the 30th. Overall, a game that really could have gone either way although Croatia had the majority of the chances.

Brazil 1 - Sweden 0
The legend of Alexandre Pato continues, although at this point a game-winner against the Swedes is merely a feather in his young international cap. The next big phenom scored in the 72nd to give the Brazil the win at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium. Sweden played a very competitive game, with several chances at a late equalizer, but just didn't seem to have enough class to finish.