World Cup 2006 Opening Match - Germany v Costa Rica

Germany 4-2 Costa Rica

A capacity crowd of 59,000 gathered in Munich’s Allianz Arena to witness the opening game of the 18th world cup tournament. Germany took on Costa Rica, in what proved to be a thrilling match from start to finish, with Germany proving the eventual winners, by 4 goals to 2, the biggest score line in the opening match of a World Cup. Brilliant strikes from Torsten Frings and Philip Lahm lit up the game in superb style, in what promises to be an exciting world cup.

Germany looked very dangerous from the start, and were exploiting the space left by the Costa Rican players. This almost instantly paid off, when left back Philip Lahm curled a beautiful right footed strike into the top corner of the Costa Rican goal, from the corner of the Costa Rican penalty area. The ball flew past the keeper, and bounced in off the right post.

However, this lead didn’t last long, and ex Derby County striker, Paulo Wanchope levelled for the Central American team seven minutes later. He narrowly beat the offside trap, getting in behind the German centre backs, and kept his cool to slot past Arsenal keeper Jens Lehmann, to the delight of their 3,000 travelling fans.

But again, this didn’t last long, and Germany were back in the lead after 17 minutes. The Germans made inroads into their opponents penalty area, and Miroslav Klose poked the ball home from Bastian Schweinsteiger’s pass, to nudge the Germans back into the lead.

Germany dominated most of the first half, and tried a number of long range efforts, most of which were saved by the Costa Rican keeper, Jose Parros. Costa Rica failed to create many real chances, but have looked dangerous on the counter attack. At half time the score was Germany 2-1 Costa Rica.

The second half was similar to the first. Germany generally dominated, and this was evident as they scored a third goal with an hour played. Left back Lahm opened up acres of space down Germany’s left flank, and was able to cross a ball in, which found the head of Miroslav Klose. His powerful header was straight at the Costa Rican keeper, Parros, but he dropped it, and once again, Klose was there to tap the ball into the net from close range. Costa Rica looked a beaten team.

However, the match was far from over. Costa Rica shocked Germany once again, as Paulo Wanchope scored his second of the match with 72 minutes gone. Good passing movement from the Costa Rican midfield led to a beautiful through ball, which once again, found Wanchope who kept his nerve to loft it past a helpless Jens Lehmann, and restored a glimmer of hope for the Central American side. Germany’s defensive frailities exposed for the second time in the match.

This set up a tense finish to this great encounter. Germany pressed forward in hopes of making the game safe. They had a penalty appeal turned down, and a fantastic save from the Costa Rican keeper kept a Per Mertesacker header from going in.

The Germans had to wait patiently until the 87th minute to wrap the game up. Bastian Schweinsteiger played a free kick square to Torsten Frings who released a thunderbolt from 35 yards out, swerving into the right hand side of the Costa Rican net. This inevitably sealed the win for Germany in fine style, and gives their World Cup campaign a positive start. But try to work on the defending, Jurgen!

Germany 4-2 Costa Rica
Lahm 6 ........ Wanchope 12, 72
Klose 17, 61
Frings 87

Poland 0-2 Ecuador

In the other Group A match, Ecuador shocked Poland, beating them by 2 goals to 0 in Gelsenkirchen, and recording an historic victory in the process. This also gives Ecuador a fantastic chance of getting through to the knockout stages.

The deadlock was broken after 24 minutes. A long throw into the Polish penalty area was headed on by Agustin Delgado, and headed into the Polish goal by Carlos Tenorio.

Ecuador sealed the win with 10 minutes left of the match. Good passing led to an easy tap in for Agustin Delgado, to ensure victory, and give them a very good chance of qualifying from Group A.

Poland tried to get back into the match, but it looked like it would never be their day. They hit the post twice late on, having been looking for a way back into the game.

Poland 0-2 Ecuador
................. Tenorio 24
................. Delgado 80