David Beckham was quick to play down any injury fears following the LA Galaxy's penalty shoot-out defeat to a South China Invitational side.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."

Manager Ruud Gullit echoed his captain's sentiments.

"It was a good game for us but I'm a little disappointed by the fact of you play so well but you don't score," he said.

"We changed to two strikers and immediately we scored a goal and from then on, either team could win.

"For the two penalties, I spoke to my player and he said he did not touch the ball with his hand so I think the other penalty was the referee wanted to make it even.

"Overall, it was a good day for us at the office."

Gullit also admitted he has been impressed by the quality his squad has shown over the three-match tour.

"I knew it (Major League Soccer) was the same level as mid-table in Holland," he added.

"I was pleasantly surprised with the players. We had some youngsters that came in today so it was a great experience for them.

"If you see in the first half how well we can play, then that is a good prospect for the season.

"Our first real check will be when we play against Dallas.

"We can see a little bit more about how far we are and where we stand. Defensively, we're strong. I'm happy with the group but the youngsters they have to learn and these are the games that they can learn from."

Beckham agreed that Galaxy's Asian adventure, which also took in stops in Seoul and Shanghai, has been beneficial for the club.

"It's a good time for the players to get to know each other," he said.

"We've got a lot of young players and a lot of new players come into the team and it's about bonding.

"I've played in many teams before and been successful and one of the reasons why is because we've had a good team spirit and that can win you games and championships."

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