FIFA confirms Gamarra own-goal

The goal in England's 1-0 World Cup opening win over Paraguay has been confirmed as an own-goal.Schedule | Teams | Interviews | Photos

Updated on: Jun 11, 2006, 21:15:00 IST

None | By Anonymous, Berlin

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It's official: the goal in England's 1-0 World Cup opening win over Paraguay was confirmed on Sunday as an own-goal.

David Beckham's free kick in the third minute deflected off the head of Paraguay defender Carlos Gamarra and past his own goalkeeper, making it the fastest of the 25 own-goals in the World Cup's history.

There was some speculation that Beckham might be credited with the goal, but FIFA spokesman Markus Siegler said the Technical Study Group reviewed video evidence and decided that the England captain's kick was not a shot on target.

"I can confirm it was definitely an own-goal -- it was a centre from Beckham, not an intended shot," Siegler said.

FIFA's Technical Study Group is led by former Germany assistant coach Holger Osieck and includes several former players and coaches, including Cameroon's Roger Milla and Roy Hodgson of England.

It has been analysing World Cup games and team training sessions since 1966.

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