As a Swedish national, Eriksson became the first foreign coach to be appointed as England's manager, a decision that attracted controversy. However, he immediately turned around the team's campaign to qualify for the 2002 World Cup with a 5–1 victory over Germany in Munich, where England came from behind with goals from Emile Heskey, Steven Gerrard and a Michael Owen hat-trick. England ensured qualification after a tense final game against Greece, with David Beckham scoring from a free-kick in the last seconds to make the score 2–2 and put England top of their group on goal difference.