World Cup wonder goals: Lahm lights up curtain-raiser
Philipp Lahm's spellbinding strike in the opening game of Germany 2006 kicked off the tournament in style.
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Germany v Costa Rica Germany 2006 | Group Stage FIFA World Cup stadium, Munich
The clock had just ticked past the five-minute mark in the World Cup 2006 opening game when Philipp Lahm took up possession wide on the left wing.
With the Costa Rica defenders well set numerically and positionally, they could be forgiven for believing there was no imminent goalscoring threat.
Lahm had other ideas. A player of rare skill, intelligence and ball-striking ability, the Germany star cut inside before leaving Costa Rica defender Danny Fonseca on his backside with one swift movement. Lahm then curled in a sumptuous effort from the edge of the box, sending the home fans wild and setting the tone for a magical World Cup.
Watch Germany v Costa Rica full match highlights Philipp Lahm: Classic players The Germany 2006 quiz