Exciting Start to Germany 2006

Germany 4 - 2 Costa Rica

An excellent start to the 2006 tournament, with the hosts edging an exciting encounter in Munich that they were only just about in control of. Without their Captain and talisman, Michael Ballack, through injury the home side struggled to impose themselves on the outsiders. However, it is Germany's defensive frailties that will worry coach Klinsmann the most. The two Costa Rican goals were the minnows' only two efforts on goal but it was all too easy for them. On this showing there's little chance of Germany progressing far in the tournament, with better sides likely to take full advantage of the yawning gaps between the German central defenders. In the end it took two wonder strikes by left-back Philip Lahm in the sixth minutre and midfielder Torsten Frings in the second half to see off the plucky Central Americans.

Earlier, one of the most embarrassing opening ceremonies ever took place, with what appeared to be a troupe of lederhosen clad morris dancers going through a courtship ritual in front of billions of people watching on television. The stuff of nightmares!