Match Number: 774 Date: 09 Jun 2006 Location: München Competition: World Cup 2006, Group stage GERMANY: Lehmann A. Friedrich, Mertesacker, Metzelder, Lahm B. Schneider (90. Odonkor), Frings, Borowski (72. Kehl), Schweinsteiger Klose (79. Neuville), Podolski COSTA RICA: Porras Umana, Sequeira, Marin Martinez (67. Drummond), Solis (78. Bolanos), Fonseca, Gonzalez Centeno, Gomez (90. Azofeifa) Wanchope Zuschauer 64,950 (Sold out) Scoring: 1:0 Lahm (6.) 1:1 Wanchope (12.) 2:1 Klose (17.) 3:1 Klose (61.) 3:2 Wanchope (73.) 4:2 Frings (87.) Referee: Horacio Elizondo (Argentina) Yellow cards: FonsecaA nice start to the World Cup for the nervous German squad. Everyone expected the worst from Jürgen Klinsmann's team, so the hope was basically that they wouldn't embarass themselves. However, things got off to a rocking start as defender Phillip Lahm dribbled down the left side, cut in and hammered a rocket into the upper corner.
Overall, this was a decent performance, although somewhat worrisome was the brain farts on defense that allowed Tico poacher Paulo Wanchope to sneak through and cooly finish. Twice no less, when he usually can't hit the side of a barn. The German attack was working well, and the Costa Ricans were under constant pressure the whole match. All the goals were well-taken, and aside from Lahm, midfielder Torsten Frings was impressive with his work rate. They would continue their form throughout the tournament to become some of the best performers.