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Germany make winning start

09 Jun 2006 - 19:23:07

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The 2006 World Cup got off to a lively start as hosts Germany beat Costa Rica 4-2 in Munich's Allianz Arena.

However, despite scoring some spectacular goals, Jurgen Klinsmann's side looked poor defensively and against a stronger side than Costa Rica would have been made to pay for their frailties.

Germany were without their inspirational midfielder and captain Michael Ballack who had not recovered from a calf strain, so Werder Bremen's Tim Borowski came in to replace him.

It took the hosts only six minutes to break the deadlock with a memorable strike by Philipp Lahm. The Bayern Munich defender picked up the ball on the left-hand flank, moved into the penalty area and curled a brilliant shot off the post and into the corner of the net past the stranded Jose Porras.

The home fans sat back and waited for the goal glut but were stunned six minutes later when, out of nothing, Paulo Wanchope beat the German's offside trap, steadied himself, and slotted s shot nervelessly past Jens Lehmann.

Germany regained the lead in the 17th minute. Bernd Schneider did well down the right, beat his man and pulled the ball back to Bastian Schweinsteiger. He crossed for Miroslav Klose to sidefoot into an empty net.

Costa Rica's laissez-faire approach to defending allowed Germany acres of time and space and, in an open first half, they were lucky to be only 2-1 down at the interval.

The Ticos continued their open game-plan in the second half and almost conceded a third goal within seconds of the restart when Lukas Podolski drilled a 30-yard shot over the bar.

They eventually fell further behind just after the hour when Klose rammed the ball into the net after his initial header from Lahm's deflected cross had been brilliantly saved by Porras.

The game seemed to be won, but again woeful German defending allowed Alexandre Guimares' side back into the match with 17 minutes left.

Former Manchester City, West Ham United and Derby County forward Wanchope again beat the offside trap with ease before chipping a shot over Lehmann.

However, Costa Rica never looked like grabbing an unlikely equaliser and the Germans wrapped up the three points with a spectacular 87th minute strike by Torsten Frings.

The Werder Bremen star let fly from 35 yards out and his shot arrowed into the net past the despairing hand of Porras.

Germany deserved the win but will need to tighten up their defence if they are to progress in the tournament.