England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson has revealed that David Beckham blamed himself for England’s penalty shoot-out defeat at Euro 2004 to Portugal.
England lost 6-5 on penalties with Beckham and Darius Vassell missing.
“David might be blaming himself but football is like that, especially when you go to penalties,” said Eriksson.
“It’s a skill but it is also a lottery and I think he slipped with his foot once again unfortunately. But life has to go on, though it is a pity.”
Beckham has now missed three penalties in a row for England.
Eriksson added: “I feel sad for the players and the fans, who have behaved extremely well.
“I thought we had a good chance to reach the final, unfortunately we will go back to England.”
Eriksson revealed that he complained to UEFA before the match about the state of the penalty spot.
“Twice before both games we played at this stadium we complained.
“I complained personally to the Uefa official responsible about the penalty spot.
“Then on Wednesday for a second time we talked about it again to Uefa and they said they would replace some of the grass on it.”
