Hosts Germany have beaten Costa Rica 4-2 in the opening match of World Cup 2006. In a relatively comfortable first half for the Germans they played some quality football and looked dangerous going forward. The Costa Rican’s were content to soak up the pressure and try to play on the break.

In a pulsating opening twenty minutes Germany dominated and took an early lead when, after 6 minutes, Bayern Munich’s Philipp Lahm picked up the ball on the left edge of the Costa Rica penalty area and fired a stunning right-footed shot curling into the top far corner of the net.

Three minutes later Germany were threatening again, Werder Bremen’s Miroslav Klose and Bayer Leverkusen’s Bernd Schneider both had half-chances snuffed out by the Costa Rican defence.

Costa Rica produced a shock equaliser with 11 minutes gone, Club Sport Herediano’s Paulo Wanchope beat the German offside trap and scored with a shot through the legs of Arsenal’s Jens Lehmann.

Germany restored their lead after 17 minutes when Klose converted from close range following a flowing move on the right involving Schneider and Bayern Munich’s Bastian Schweinsteiger.

The latter part of the half was less eventful with Germany dominating, but few opportunities created.

The second-half continued in the same pattern and at the same sedate pace as the end of the first-half. Germany continued to press as Costa Rica sat back.

After 61 minutes it seemed Germany had secured the victory when Klose scored his second. A deflected left wing cross from Lahm reached Klose, unmarked at the far post. His header was well saved by Jose Porras in the Costa Rican goal, but the goalkeeper was powerless to prevent Klose’s second attempt as he reacted first to the rebound.

However, Germany were shocked again after 73 minutes when their worryingly static defensive line was beaten at the off-side game, yet again by Wanchope. The ex-Manchester City player latched onto a sweet pass from Carlos Henandez to score his second of the match past a helpless Lehmann.

Germany continued to press and their efforts finally payed off in the 87th minute when Torsten Frings unleashed a wickedly curling shot from 25 yards or more, which sailed into the top right corner of Costa Rica’s goal.

A winning start for Germany, but there will be concerns about their continuing defensive frailties.

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