DATE=6/2/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

NUMBER=2-290424

TITLE=ENGLAND VS. SWEDEN (S-O)

BYLINE=STEVE SCHY

DATELINE=YOKOHAMA, JAPAN

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: British football star David Beckham has returned from a broken foot to play a role in England's 1-1 World Cup draw against Sweden, in a Group-F match played in Saitama. As V-O-A's Steve Schy reports from Japan, England coach Sven Goran Eriksson's squad was unable to give him a victory against his home country.

TEXT: The game was evenly played for the opening 20 minutes, but Sol Campbell brought the fans to their feet as he headed David Beckham's corner kick into the net in the 24th minute. It was his first international goal, but England failed to build on the momentum and the first half ended with England leading 1-0.

Cautious play was the rule early in the second half, as England tried to avoid mistakes that could let Sweden tie the score. But in the 59th minute, Niclas Alexandersson intercepted a weak clearing pass, and the Swede blasted the ball past the outstretched right hand of English keeper David Seaman for the equalizer.

The goal gave new life to Sweden's attack and only a pair of excellent saves by Seaman kept the match even. Sweden dominated the rest of the half, but couldn't break through again, as the match ended in a 1-1 draw. (Signed)

NEB/SPTS/SMS/FC