Beckham Quits as England’s Captain

David Beckham quit as England’s captain Sunday, the morning after his team went out in the World Cup quarterfinals on penalties to Portugal.

A tearful Beckham, wearing a suit and tie, read a statement at a crowded news conference at England’s training camp in Buehlertal, Germany.

“I have lived the dream,” he said. “I am extremely proud to have worn the armband and been captain of England and for that, I will always be grateful.”

He stressed that he wanted to continue playing for the national team. Beckham, 31, has been captain for 58 of his 94 England caps.

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Germany midfielder Torsten Frings was cited for throwing a punch at an Argentine opponent, and might have to sit out his team’s semifinal match against Italy on Tuesday.

FIFA took action after reviewing TV footage of the on-field melee that followed Germany’s penalty shootout win over Argentina in Friday’s quarterfinals.

-- Associated Press

A car crashed through a barrier at Berlin Fan Fest, injuring 21 people in the pedestrian area set aside for viewing broadcasts of World Cup games.

The silver Volkswagen Polo with Berlin license plates broke through the southern metal fences, then headed northbound at 25 mph for 300 yards before it crashed into another metal fence and parked bicycles in front of the main stage at Berlin’s famous Brandenburg Gate.

Eleven of the injured were taking to hospitals for treatment, including a 11-year-old girl with serious rib fractures.

Police detained a 33-year-old male driver, who attempted to flee, and a 55-year-old woman who was in the passenger seat.

-- Christian Retzlaff