Hey, 18th World Cup, sprechen sie Deutsch?
Yeah, thought you might.
Friday was a rousing day for the host country of the monthlong tournament–on the world’s biggest stage–cleared its throat with a convincing 4-2 win over Costa Rica.
“It’s Costa Rica,” said Chris Dueifburg, speaking for many Germans. “I can play against Costa Rica.”
On this day, maybe.
Juergen Klinsmann’s squad made a statement early as Philip Lahm scored the first goal six minutes in. Costa Rica’s Paulo Wanchope quieted the crowd for a bit in the 12th minute with a beautiful breakaway past German goalkeeper Jens Lehmann. But the Germans were too strong for too long and the offensive outburst (the six total goals a record for the opener) left many speechless.
The celebration even excited fans otherwise spoken for. Mexicans chanted “Deutsch-land!” to their newfound friends; Germans returned “Viva Mexico!” It was as loud at a Munich train station as it was outside World Cup Stadium before the game.
The day was not without disquieting developments. The Associated Press reported that Munich police removed a World Cup banner with swastikas from a highway bridge and Berlin police raided a far-right political party, confiscating about 3,000 World Cup guides with racist overtones.
Back in Munich, Brazilian legend Pele and German supermodel Claudia Schiffer carried in the World Cup trophy during the pregame festivities.
In the day’s second game, Ecuador–which won seven of its eight qualifying matches at more than 9,000 feet above sea level–was nearly that high after defeating Poland 2-0 in Gelsenkirchen.
