What a first half that was. It's certainly been the best opening match in my lifetime, and if they keep this up, we could be in for an even better second half.
Germany have looked strong in midfield and going forward, but they've looked square at the back. Paulo Wanchope caught them out once, and he continues to threaten. Costa Rica were overplaying the ball in defence initially, but they've improved since then. They seem content to sit deep in their own half and let Germany come to them, but the right side of defence is being ripped apart by Schweinsteiger and Lahm. Marin's had a good game so far, barring a mistake in the opening stages of the match, and the key man here is Wanchope. He has made a couple of great runs, and was unlucky to be called offside when he was clean through on goal. World Cup 2006 is off to a fantastic start, and I'm going for a draw in this match.
VAMOS TICOS!
EDIT: That was most definitely worth the wait. What a match! Costa Rica played much better in the second half, although they still allowed Germany way too much space down the right. Wanchope was immense, and Centeno did well in central midfield. It was Centeno's vision that released Wanchope for his second goal, and Costa Rica will perhaps feel hard done by the eventual 4-2 scoreline.
The Germans, as before, were good in midfield and attack, but their defence has got to be a worry for Jurgen Klinsmann. Caught napping twice by Paulo Wanchope, one wonders what a team with a better midfield could do to this defence. On the other hand, Phillip Lahm had a great game, ripping apart the Costa Rican defence at will. His overlapping runs with Schweinsteiger tormented the Ticos, and were probably the difference between the two teams. Torsten Frings's goal will be up there as one of the best goals of the World Cup. Their midfield performed decently, but it remains to be seen how they will perform against a more physical side. All in all, an encouraging start for the Germans in their home World Cup.
Both teams should be congratulated for their commitment to aggressive, attacking football. It was a treat to watch, and the rest of the World Cup has a tough act to follow. Four years ago, Costa Rica played a part in one of the best matches of Korea/Japan 2002 and once again, they have helped create a lasting memory for football fans. Here's hoping for more of the same.
Germany have looked strong in midfield and going forward, but they've looked square at the back. Paulo Wanchope caught them out once, and he continues to threaten. Costa Rica were overplaying the ball in defence initially, but they've improved since then. They seem content to sit deep in their own half and let Germany come to them, but the right side of defence is being ripped apart by Schweinsteiger and Lahm. Marin's had a good game so far, barring a mistake in the opening stages of the match, and the key man here is Wanchope. He has made a couple of great runs, and was unlucky to be called offside when he was clean through on goal. World Cup 2006 is off to a fantastic start, and I'm going for a draw in this match.
VAMOS TICOS!
EDIT: That was most definitely worth the wait. What a match! Costa Rica played much better in the second half, although they still allowed Germany way too much space down the right. Wanchope was immense, and Centeno did well in central midfield. It was Centeno's vision that released Wanchope for his second goal, and Costa Rica will perhaps feel hard done by the eventual 4-2 scoreline.
The Germans, as before, were good in midfield and attack, but their defence has got to be a worry for Jurgen Klinsmann. Caught napping twice by Paulo Wanchope, one wonders what a team with a better midfield could do to this defence. On the other hand, Phillip Lahm had a great game, ripping apart the Costa Rican defence at will. His overlapping runs with Schweinsteiger tormented the Ticos, and were probably the difference between the two teams. Torsten Frings's goal will be up there as one of the best goals of the World Cup. Their midfield performed decently, but it remains to be seen how they will perform against a more physical side. All in all, an encouraging start for the Germans in their home World Cup.
Both teams should be congratulated for their commitment to aggressive, attacking football. It was a treat to watch, and the rest of the World Cup has a tough act to follow. Four years ago, Costa Rica played a part in one of the best matches of Korea/Japan 2002 and once again, they have helped create a lasting memory for football fans. Here's hoping for more of the same.
1 comment:
What a game! Fantastic performance by the Tikos, specially in the second half...
I was particularly impressesed by Wanchope...
Schwiny and Podolski played well for the Germans...
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