Germany 4 - Costa Rica 2

Minute-by-minute report:

Opening Overblown Cultural Display
When they trot out the lederhosen and dirndls do they expect anybody who does not live between Stuttgart and Innsbruck to keep a straight face? Would have been better had they invited Clark Griswold.

1st Before I sit down I'm reminded how bad American broadcasters are. The studio commentary from Foudy and Wynalda is decent but O'Brien and Balboa, ugh.

2nd The referee stole Jody Watley's headset. Wonder if he'll break into "Your Love Keeps Working On Me."

6th Lahm's goal, even with the Costa Rican defender slipping, is brilliant. Perfectly placed in the far right corner. And the crowd goes wild.

73rd Wanchope scores his second (offsides) and the camera pans Kahn on the bench. The German backup keeper gives his best What?-I-didn't-say-anything look.

Germany look fine and now needing only a win against Ecuador to advance. Sitting pretty.