The day finally arrived and the soccer world cup commenced in all its glory on 9th of June 2006. The opening ceremony was a wonderful exhibition of German art and culture. First we had Bavarians in leather shorts then the cowbells. It was followed by modern Germany represented in Hip Hop music. Later first time in the history of Soccer World Cup all the living players were invited on field. It is a very nice gesture by the organizing committee as they are the one who made soccer world cup what it is now. Seeing all the veterans of over the year refreshed the memory of years gone by and wonderful exhibition of football they displayed on the field. The Real Start Heat is on Germany vs Costa Rica After an hour of completion of opening ceremony the business started where the host Germany has to meet Costa Rica in Bayern Munich home stadium Allianz Arena. The game started at frenetic pace and Germany went ahead on 6th minute strike by mercurial left back Philip Lahm. The stadium hit the crescendo as the strike hit the post and went in. The excitement has not yet settled when former Man City striker Wanchop broke the German off-side trap and equalized. The worst fears of German Coach Jurgen Klinsmann about his team defense might have come true. Suddenly the German start looking as brittle as sieve. Thankfully for crowds a 17th minute strike from Klose after some good work from Schweinsteiger. The crowd was saved from agony. At this point the Germans were controlling the tempo of the game and they are the only team likely to score goal. As the half time arrived teams start playing some calculated football compare to adventurous football which resulted in 3 goals in first 17 minutes. The second half started similarly to the first half and Costa Rica had great opportunity to equalize in 48th minute when Fonseca made a late run on corner and nobody picked him up. Settling the crowd nerves Klose scored his second goal on his 28th birthday after a superb cross from Lahm. The man who scored 5 goals from head in the previous edition hit a powerful header on target which was stopped by goal keeper. Klose collected the pieces and thrashed home the ball from 4 yards. It seems the match is done and dusted at this moment. To the complement to the Ticos as the Costa Ricans are popularly know among their fans they again break the German off side trap and Wanchop was again on hand to slot the ball home. The hawks are again out criticizing the Klinsmanns defense. Suddenly it all seemed shaky, the one of the best German player on park Bowroski was substituted along with Klose and team was striving to hold on to their advantage. Out of blue in this quagmire Frings hit a blinder of a shot, it must has swerved half a goal length in its 35 yard journey before eluding goal keeper. With just 3 minutes to go the party was started in whole Germany along with in Allianz arena. We had a scintillating start to the world cup 2006. In all the opening match had 6 most for a World Cup Opener. It rewarded the birthday boy Klose and Germany achieved what its set out for 3 points. Final score Germany 4 - 2 Costa Rica Go people Lets make Friends in World Cup 2006 and enjoy the Schnes Spiel or shall I say 'Joga Bonita'. |
