Beckham 'just a little bit bruised'

David Beckham was quick to play down any injury fears following the Los Angeles Galaxy's penalty shootout defeat to a South China Invitational side at Hong Kong Stadium.

The former England captain was the recipient of a hefty challenge shortly before he netted a late penalty to secure a 2-2 draw in the final match of his team's three-match Asian tour.

"I'm not injured. I took another knock on my thigh that I got kicked on the game before but it's not a problem," he said. "I took the penalty straight afterwards. It's just a little bit bruised, that's all."

After Alan Gordon had cancelled out Detinho's opener, South China thought they had secured victory when skipper Li Haiqiang converted a last-minute penalty.

But Galaxy were awarded a spot-kick of their own in stoppage time and Beckham made no mistake from 12 yards. He then scored the opening penalty of the shootout before Greg Vanney's miss proved the difference.

The 32-year-old, bidding to win his 100th England cap against France on March 26, completed the full 90 minutes as he builds up his fitness ahead of the Paris encounter.

But, his usual threat from crosses aside, the former Manchester United midfielder only had limited influence on a lacklustre game.

However, Beckham was pleased with his side's display despite an inability to convert their chances.

"We played some really good football," he added. "We kept the ball well and if we'd put our chances away, we'd have been three or four goals up but that's what happens in football - if you don't take your chances, you don't win games.

"It's frustrating but at least we're making chances. We know that we've got the quality in our side to put them away. It's just a case of not getting too frustrated."