Germany secured a 4-2 win over Costa Rica in the tournament opener on Friday. This match had the most goals in an opening match since 1930. Germany captain Michael Ballack could not play in the game because of an injury. Miroslov Klose scored two goals for Germany. Paulo Wanchope scored two goals for Costa Rica. Philipp Lahm and Torsten Frings scored the other two goals for Germany.

German defender Lahm hit a shot in the sixth minute to put Germany ahead. Costa Rica scored in the 12th minute when Wanchope hit the ball past goalkeeper Jens Lehmann. In the 17th minute, Klose hit a goal from a pass from Bastian Schweinsteiger. In the 61st minute, Klose hit a header that was saved by goalkeeper Jose Porras. In the 73rd minute, Wanchope scored the second goal for Costa Rica. Torsten Fringes hit a goal from 25 yards.

Under the guidance of coach Juergen Klinsmann, the team played brilliantly. As far as Germany is concerned the problems lie with its inexperienced defence. The German team now has three points in its kitty.

The 66,000 crowd was enthralled by the overall show they witnessed.