Two Soccer Kings Had Different Performances at the Opening Ceremony: Maradona Absent, Pele Attended
By our special correspondent Chang Zhaojun in Munich, Germany – Maradona’s name was on the list, but his figure was absent. Pele's name wasn’t on the list, yet his familiar face appeared. Before the opening ceremony, everyone was searching for these two kings based on the materials provided by the organizing committee. Unexpectedly, one was absent while the other stole the show.
The FIFA World Cup opened in Germany on June 9th, but during the opening ceremony, the cameraman led the audience's gaze across the entire stadium without catching a glimpse of Argentine soccer king Diego Maradona. In contrast, Brazilian soccer king Pele continued to maintain his good relationship with FIFA, appearing with a smiling face at the opening ceremony.
Pele appeared alongside the chairman of the FIFA World Cup Organizing Committee and German "Football Emperor" Franz Beckenbauer, laughing all the way. Subsequently, German television cameras began the arduous journey of searching for Maradona, scanning the faces of the veteran stars representing Argentina, but disappointingly, Maradona, who had originally agreed to attend on behalf of FIFA, was not among them!
Maradona has always been independent and stubborn, not particularly fond of FIFA's requests, which is completely different from Pele, FIFA's favorite son. However, the reason for this Argentine soccer king's absence sparked various speculations. Some news reported that Maradona was delayed attending the World Cup Munich Stadium because he had to participate in a TV program, rather than intentionally skipping it.
Nevertheless, foreign media pointed out that Maradona intentionally missed the opening ceremony. Reuters reported that during an interview, Maradona showed disdain, telling reporters, "I came to Germany not to see the old faces of Pele and Beckenbauer. I came to enjoy some great football matches."
Regarding these claims, FIFA spokesperson Helen expressed ignorance. "So far, we have not received any explanation from Maradona," she said.
Eight Years Ago, the "Wounded Soldier" Becomes Today's Guest
When people think of football hooligans, their thoughts often return to France eight years ago. During the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France, the dedicated and serious French police officer Daniel Neville was severely injured by German football hooligans. This year, to soothe his heart once wounded and the irreparable bone pain, the host country extended a loving invitation: inviting Daniel Neville to Germany to watch the World Cup.
Just as people will never forget Zinedine Zidane's brilliance under the Eiffel Tower, they will also never erase their sympathy for Daniel Neville when thinking back to that time. During the 1998 FIFA World Cup match in France, security officer Neville was attacked by several German football hooligans, who used metal rods to severely injure him. Neville fell into a coma and nearly lost his life. Later, four of them were legally punished. Two years later, the German Football Association launched a foundation named after this injured French policeman. This year, eight years later, Daniel Neville once again connects with the World Cup, but this time not for maintaining security, but to watch the game, and invited by the host country to watch Germany versus Poland, which will take place in Dortmund on June 14th.
(Our special correspondent Chang Zhaojun reporting from Munich, Germany, June 9th)
Germany's Old Car Produces New Soldiers
Success Opens Through the Side Door
In the opening match, 4:2, Klinsmann achieved victory effortlessly.
Klinsmann knew that success would be his; he guessed the smile of the outcome correctly but did not foresee the unexpected start, just like the defeated Guimaraes, who thought of the sorrowful ending but did not expect such ruthless beginnings.
Only six minutes into the game, Lahm broke through the flank, paving the way to victory for the German war machine, thus charging forward to raid the yellow palace of Costa Rica.
No matter how much Guimaraes encouraged morale and promoted his own miracles; no matter how passionate the Wanchope players were, they could not change one fact: they couldn't bridge the gap in strength within a short period of time. Watching Lahm's skillful moves, cutting through the Costa Rican defense as if it were non-existent, was akin to Cao Mengde lamenting the lack of Zhao Zilong in his camp long ago.
Breakthroughs, interceptions, passing, organization, assists, goals—no one expected that Lahm, unremarkable in league games, would now master every aspect of football, leaving nothing behind.
Standing at only 170 cm, Lahm is the absolute "lowest point" in a German team renowned for its height. Despite being injured in his hand and wearing a long-sleeve jersey, the small Lahm moved like a robot shackled in chains, mechanical yet agile. It was this injured rookie who became the elite soldier and sharp blade of the old German war machine.
Everyone might have guessed the outcome of the match, as a friend far away in Zibo texted me early in the game, "How's it going? Who do you think will win?" My reply was, "Intense, Germany." Most people, whether by intuition or perception, favored Germany. But no one expected Lahm to open the door to victory for the hosts. People might have thought of Klose, who scored twice in this game, or perhaps Mertesacker, who sealed the victory, or even Podolski or Schneider. But no one backed Lahm, who shines brilliantly given a little sunlight or opportunity.
(Our special correspondent Chang Zhaojun reporting from Munich, Germany, June 9th)
Veteran Wanchope Returns
The New Age's Uncle Roger Milla
Two goals at once! Wanchope became the pride of the Costa Ricans tonight. Even though there was no victory, not even a single point, having a star-studded Wanchope was enough.
If it weren't for Wanchope's two goals, Germany's victory would have been more perfect, the opening ceremony would have been more joyful, and Klinsmann would have laughed more extravagantly and wildly. However, Wanchope changed all of this with his solo effort. Like a righteous knight punishing the strong and helping the weak, he appeared when he should have and where he shouldn't have.
We cannot deny that Lahm's goal was both unexpected and miraculous, but Wanchope's sudden attack was equally unforeseen. At the beginning, Wanchope was merely dancing, blending in somewhat, not as sharp as Gomez or as brutal as Fonseca. Under the interception and blockage of Mertesacker and Mertesacker, he seemed clumsy and frail, even a bit aged. However, Wanchope, who had long been away from the European Super League and rejected by the top clubs in Europe and America, remained fearless against time's cruelty, believing in his abilities and the fact that Uncle Roger Milla's phenomenon was not a mere coincidence. Determination, shouting, positioning, starting, kicking, shooting—none of it was ambiguous, not a word too many, and certainly not giving the German concrete any respect, especially not sparing any pity for Lehman, who made his first appearance in a World Cup match.
Two editions of the World Cup in the last century made Uncle Roger Milla, and now, entering the new millennium, the World Cup gave Wanchope, similarly aging and discarded by the super leagues and top clubs in Europe and America, a chance to become famous. Whether he will shine as brightly as today remains to be seen, but Wanchope has patience, and so should we.
(Our special correspondent Chang Zhaojun reporting from Munich, Germany, June 9th)
Victory Arrives Just Like That
The debut performance of the defending champions was replaced by the host nation's passionate display. For the first time, the format of the opening match was changed, and the host nation took advantage of the opportunity to bring everyone a surprise.
Suspense
The suspense was planted right from the start, as Balack was not in the starting lineup due to injury. However, even more disappointed than Balack was Kahn, the hero of the previous World Cup, who felt a touch of melancholy despite still being surrounded by followers. His mindset was different from previous years.
Human Waves
Before the game started, human waves surged in the stands.
This was the enthusiastic expression of the German audience. After watching the opening ceremony, the entire focus of the German audience shifted to the event itself. The host of the stadium spoke a few extra words and was met with boos from the fans.
"Start the game already!" complained a 42-year-old German fan named Draski loudly from the edge of the stand. "These guys don't know what they're doing. We want to watch the game!"
There were many impatient people like Draski. Thus, human waves surged in the stands, one circle, two circles, until the fifth circle when the German team finally appeared, bringing the human wave to an end.
Throughout the entire 90 minutes of the game, whether Germany was leading or facing crises, German fans worked hard to "create human waves." From the start to the finish, German fans never ceased their performances and madness.
Waiting
As predicted before the match, the Germany-Costa Rica clash was not an easy contest, similar to previous World Cup opening matches. This time, however, the role of defending champion was replaced by the host nation, changing roles but not the excitement and suspense. It was a high-intensity confrontation. The resilience of the Costa Ricans surprised the German fans.
From the sixth minute until five minutes before the end of the game, the two teams exchanged blows, scoring a total of six goals. Although Germany scored twice as many goals as their opponent, seeing this situation left the German fans in the stands somewhat perplexed. "What's wrong with the defense?" asked an elderly fan who brought his granddaughter to watch the game. "I've watched football for so many years, and this German team's defense is the worst. They conceded so many goals to Costa Rica. What about the other matches? This is just the beginning."
The progress of the game didn't give the fans much time to worry. Klinsmann shouted frantically on the sidelines, while the fans anxiously awaited the home team's goals. At the sixth minute, Lahm's momentary brilliance lit up the entire stadium. A young fan happily waved the German flag, wanting to rush to the front of the stand but was stopped by the security guards. The guard politely said, "Sorry miss, according to the rules, you can't jump down." Everyone around burst out laughing.
Excitement
Despite Wanchope's brilliant performance, scoring twice and reducing the score to 2-3, Metzelder's powerful shot erased Costa Rica's efforts. Germany's ultimate victory thrilled the fans.
The joy also infected German journalists. In the press center, several German journalists forgot to file their reports, immersed in the victory of the match, chatting enthusiastically together and laughing heartily. An American colleague subtly suggested, "Could you please lower your voice?" Immediately, the German journalists apologized, one making a funny face saying, "You should understand our feelings. The German team hasn't had such a victory in a long time, let alone scoring four goals in one match."
(The special correspondent Chang Zhaojun reporting from Munich, Germany, June 9th)
Supermodel Steals the Show Not Inferior to the World Cup
Claudia Schiffer Celebrates with the Crowd
Fans, beer, and beautiful women are indispensable themes of every World Cup, and this year's tournament in Germany is no exception, presenting new "competitions."
German supermodel Claudia Schiffer not only sought to outshine the World Cup during the opening ceremony but also seized the opportunity to make headlines during the matches.
The golden trophy, soccer kings like Pele, are dazzling and glorious enough. As the self-proclaimed most beautiful woman in Germany, supermodel Claudia Schiffer never misses a chance to be the main character, unmatched in acting and looks compared to Chen Peisi. If Chen Jia Er could do it, so could she.
If Shen Bing's overflowing tears would make Chinese men forgetful and nostalgic, then Claudia Schiffer's smiles and glances would captivate global fans. Both, from different angles, coincidentally "combine feminine grace with the ruggedness of football," offering people a moment of intoxication.
After stepping off the podium and away from the spotlight, Claudia Schiffer, unwilling to be silent, found another opportunity to appear. Shortly after halftime began, she suddenly appeared beside the journalists' seats on the spectators' platform, immediately shifting the focus to her. Smiling, she accepted photos, kisses, and embraces from fans, reluctantly sitting down amidst the protection of her bodyguards. She looked around, making everyone distracted, forgetting that they were at the opening match of the World Cup and forgetting the heated competition happening before them.
As the fourth official raised the stoppage-time board signaling the game's impending end, she seized the moment to leave early, temporarily making everyone forget the celebration of the host nation's victory.
Because of football, men become more sensitive and refined; because of football, women gain a bit of toughness. This summer, only those who still believe that football matches consist of male hormones and beer foam would discuss the outdated cliché of "Women should stay away from the World Cup."
(The special correspondent Chang Zhaojun reporting from Munich, Germany, June 9th)
The Curtain Rises on the Germany World Cup
Tonight, Football Belongs to the Whole World
The World Cup has arrived! "WELCOME!" Amidst thunderous songs and music, the Germany World Cup opened tonight, with the host nation and Costa Rica leading the start of this World Cup after a brief opening ceremony.
"5, 4, 3, 2, 1 hh"
This isn't the countdown to the arrival of the millennium; it isn't the reverse countdown before blowing out candles at a birthday party; it isn't a string of numbers in a rocket launch simulation.
This sequence has been spinning in the hearts of fans worldwide for a year, months, and days. And at this very moment, the silently recited "5, 4, 3, 2, 1" is about to transform into a massive soundwave, igniting the fireworks of joy and excitement on the green pitch—the World Cup has arrived!
Without elaborate compositions or grand colors, in a folk tune rich with German ethnic charm, "Welcome You" descended from the sky, welcoming guests from afar and the arrival of the World Cup.
First, a gentle rhythm and melody, then suddenly turning upbeat—all reminiscent of the recently experienced German World Cup. Initially, there was no sense of the World Cup's fervor, and one might have thought the Germans' enthusiasm for the World Cup was only so-so. However, as the match approached and the opening ceremony truly commenced, one realized they were wrong. Madness belongs to the World Cup, and madness belongs even more to Germany.
Music and performances mesmerized everyone but did not leave anyone indifferent. As heroes from past World Cups made their appearances, everyone became excited, everyone became nostalgic. Time may pass, but the heroes remain. Everyone remembers the joy they brought us, recognizing each hero nurtured by the World Cup—Pelé, Maradona, Platini, Gullit—and of course, figures like Blatter, João Havelange, Lennart Johansson, and Linz who have influenced world football. People spontaneously began singing, for the World Cup and for these heroes.
Subsequently, Blatter, Beckenbauer, and three others ascended the central platform on the field, commencing the match countdown amid cheers from the entire crowd.
A heat wave enveloped the atmosphere. The sun hadn't set yet, and the "Allianz Arena" began slowly releasing the heat it had absorbed. On the press bench, everyone could feel a "geothermal" heat rising from below.
The World Cup has arrived, tonight sleepless nights await!(Special Correspondent Chang Zhaojun reporting from Munich, Germany, June 10th)
The Grand Opening of the FIFA World Cup Tonight
Munich's Fiery Start
The clock had just passed 1 PM, and outside the Allianz Arena in Munich, there was already a sea of people roaring and celebrating everywhere with songs and laughter. Walking along the road leading to the Allianz Arena was like walking through an ocean of joy.
Germans are known for their calm and reserved nature, but the World Cup has changed that. On the day of the opening match, Munich was neither quiet nor filled with restlessness and unease. Instead, it was filled with madness and football, making the World Cup the theme of the day, even the air was immersed in the joy of the World Cup: the World Cup is the keyword for this summer in Germany.
"The World Cup atmosphere is growing stronger," seven characters aptly describe today's Munich. Football has long been embedded in the blood of Munich residents. Bayern Munich is not only the pride of Germany but also the glory of Munich. Football is an ordinary part of Munich residents' daily lives, just as drinking tea and chatting is for the Chinese.
Munich awaits the arrival of the opening match in joy, and Klinsmann awaits the eruption of long-awaited passion. Germany's results in the World Cup will influence the enthusiasm index of the Munich people and even the Germans. From Munich to Berlin, the World Cup train will run for a whole month. In this month, whether the German team progresses smoothly will not only affect the enthusiasm index of the Germans but also determine the success or failure of the World Cup. FIFA President Blatter straightforwardly pointed out that the success or failure of the host nation is one of the key indicators for evaluating the success of a World Cup. Four years ago, South Korea's "fourth-place miracle" in the Korea-Japan World Cup left a rich football legacy for the South Koreans. In this Germany World Cup, Blatter has similarly beautiful expectations.
(A special report from Munich, Germany, June 9th by our special correspondent Chang Zhaojun)
Arrested for Damaging Taxis
British Football Hooligans First to Get Into Trouble
Even before the game started, someone had already been arrested. Three English fans were detained shortly after arriving at Cologne Airport in Germany for damaging airport taxis, marking possibly the first arrest of football hooligans in this World Cup.
After being detained overnight in Cologne, the three men from England's Midlands pleaded in court yesterday, claiming that they were drunk.
Local newspapers reported that because they were intoxicated, the German taxi driver refused to take them downtown