Photo Gallery
09 Jun 2006Concentration game
German defender Philipp Lahm (L) is challenged by Costa Rican forward Paulo Wanchope in the first half of their opening match at Munich's World Cup Stadium in football's 2006 World Cup, 09 June 2006. Germany were leading 2-1 in the first half. AFP PHOTO / VALERY HACHE
Germany's Philipp Lahm shields the ball from Paulo Wanchope during first-half action. Both players were on the scoresheet as the hosts led 2-1 at the break.
Germany draw first blood
German defender Philipp Lahm (R) vies for the ball with Costa Rican defender Jervis Drummond during their opening match at Munich's World Cup Stadium in football's 2006 World Cup, 09 June 2006. Germany won the match 4-2. AFP PHOTO / VALERY HACHE
Philipp Lahm who opened the scoring during Germany's 4-2 win over Costa Rica holds off Jervis Drummond.
Germany Klose out Titos
Germany's Miroslav Klose (R) scores the 2-1 against Costa Rica during the opening match of the 2006 FIFA Football World Cup at Munich's World Cup Stadium, 09 June 2006. The month-long football extravaganza involving the world's top 32 teams begins in Munich and finishes with the final in Berlin 09 July. AFP PHOTO DDP/MICHAEL KAPPELER
Miroslav Klose converts from close range as Germany carved out a 4-2 win over Costa Rica in the opening match of the World Cup.
Klose marking
German forward Miroslav Klose (L) is challenged by Costa Rican defender Luis Marin in the first half of their opening match at Munich's World Cup Stadium in football's 2006 World Cup, 09 June 2006. Germany were leading 2-1 in the first half. AFP PHOTO / ROBERTO SCHMIDT
German striker Miroslav Klose who was a two-goal hero for his side gets some close attention from Costa Rica defender Luis Marin. Germany won 4-2.
Sweeping up!
Ecuadorean defender Ivan Hurtado (L) controls the ball during the Fifa World Cup 2006 group A football match Poland vs. Ecuador, 09 June 2006 at Gelsenkirchen stadium. AFP PHOTO ODD ANDERSEN
Ivan Hurtado of Ecuador picks up the ball during his team's Group A battle against Poland. The South American's ran out 2-0 winners.
The Big Kick-off
Germany's Bastian Schweinsteiger (L) heads for the ball against Costa Rica's Dany Fonseca during the opening match of the 2006 FIFA Football World Cup at Munich's World Cup Stadium, 09 June 2006. The month-long football extravaganza involving the world's top 32 teams begins in Munich and finishes with the final in Berlin 09 July. AFP PHOTO DDP/TORSTEN SILZ
The World Cup finally got underway as Bastian Schweinsteiger wins a header for Germany over Dany Fonseca of Costa Rica.