Germans open with win; Ecuador prevails

Germany responded well to the pressure of being the World Cup’s host with a 4-2 victory over Costa Rica in the tournament opener Friday in Munich, a performance that could inspire the team the rest of the way.

Captain Michael Ballack missed the game with a calf injury, but striker Miroslav Klose scored twice on his 28th birthday, offsetting two goals by Paulo Wanchope of Costa Rica.

“That’s how I imagined this day, more or less,” Klose said. “Every opener is difficult and we are pleased that we won.”

It was the most goals in any World Cup opener, thanks mainly to Germany staying true to its style under coach Juergen Klinsmann: creating many chances and playing recklessly on defense.

“The goals we conceded were our own fault. We must recover better after losing possession,” Klose said.

Ecuador 2, Poland 0: At Gelsenkirchen, Germany, Agustin Delgado and Ecuador proved they are World Cup worthy far away from the comforts – and high altitude – of home.

Delgado set up a first-half goal and added a score in the 80th minute to quiet the boisterous pro-Poland crowd with a victory in the opener for both teams.

Their credentials questioned because seven of their eight qualifying wins came more than 9,000 feet above sea level at their home stadium in Quito, the Ecuadorians got off to strong start near sea level in their second World Cup appearance.