The day finally arrived and the soccer world cup began in all its glory on June 9, 2006. The opening ceremony was a wonderful display of German art and culture. First we had Bavarians in leather shorts and then cowbells. It was followed by modern Germany represented in Hip – Hop music.
Later, for the first time in the history of the Soccer World Cup, all living players were invited onto the field. It is a very nice gesture on the part of the organizing committee since they are the ones who made the World Cup what it is now. Seeing all the veterans for the entire year refreshed the memory of years past and the wonderful display of soccer they put on on the field.
The Real Start – Heat is on Germany vs Costa Rica
After an hour of completion of the opening ceremony, the business started where host Germany has to face Costa Rica at Bayern Munich’s home stadium, the ‘Allianz Arena’.
The game started at a frenetic pace and Germany took the lead with a 6th minute goal from mercurial left-back Philip Lahm. The stadium came to a crescendo as the shot hit the post and entered.
The excitement has yet to subside as the former Manchester City forward Wanchop broke the German offside trap and tied. German coach Jurgen Klinsmann’s worst fears about his team’s defense could have come true. Suddenly, the Germans began to look as fragile as a sieve.
Fortunately for the crowd, a goal from Klose in the 17th minute after a good job from Schweinsteiger. The crowd was saved from agony.
At this point, the Germans were controlling the pace of the game and are the only team likely to score a goal. When the break came, the teams began to play calculated soccer compared to adventurous soccer, which resulted in 3 goals in the first 17 minutes.
The second half started similarly to the first and Costa Rica had a great chance to equalize in the 48th minute when Fonseca made a late run into the corner and no one picked him up.
Calming the crowd’s nerves Klose scored his second goal on his 28th birthday after a superb cross from Lahm. The man who scored 5 goals with a header in the previous edition finished off with a powerful header that was stopped by the goalkeeper. Klose picked up the pieces and threw the ball from 4 yards. It looks like the match is done and dusted right now.
To complement the ‘Ticos’ as Costa Ricans are popularly known among their fans, they again broke the trap of the German side and Wanchop was again available to put the ball into the goal.
The hawks come out again criticizing Klinsmann’s defense. Suddenly, everything seemed shaky, the best German player in the Bowroski park was substituted along with Klose and the team struggled to maintain their advantage.
Out of nowhere in this quagmire, Frings hit a blind shot, he must have deflected half a goal on his 35-yard drive before eluding the goalie. With just 3 minutes to go, the party started across Germany and at the Allianz Arena.
We had a brilliant start to the 2006 World Cup. In total, the opening match had 6 more for a World Cup Opening. He rewarded the birthday boy Klose and Germany achieved what he set out to do: 3 points.
Final score Germany 4 – 2 Costa Rica
Wow people, let’s make friends at the 2006 World Cup and enjoy ‘Schönes Spiel’ or should I say ‘Joga Bonita’.
