AUCKLAND, Dec 6: David Beckham failed to score but thrilled a crowd of 20,000 as the LA Galaxy beat an Oceania XI 3-0 in a friendly football match on Saturday.

Beckham produced many of his trademark touches –- brilliant crosses or passes into the penalty area –- as the Galaxy won comfortably after scoring three goals in the first half. Beckham was eventually substituted, but his mere presence thrilled a near capacity crowd at Auckland’s Mt. Smart Stadium.

An early volley from Beckham forced a magnificent save from former Manchester United goalkeeper Mark Bosnich of Australia, one of the stars who made up the Oceania team.

Jirvan Korvosky scored the Galaxy’s opening goal shortly afterward and Alan Gordon immediately made it 2-0. Midfielder Brandon McDonald made it 3-0 in the 30th minute. —AP