Ballack sounds warning note after rollicking win

MUNICH, June 10 (Reuters) Injured Germany captain Michael Ballack gave coach Juergen Klinsmann a delighted hug after the first goal of the 2006 World Cup, a wicked curler from Philipp Lahm six minutes into a 4-2 win over Costa Rica.

The two men were still smiling from the sidelines at the end of the highest scoring first match in the history of the tournament but Ballack was soon sounding a warning note to his coach.

''The Costa Ricans did not have many chances but the ones they had they scored,'' Ballack said after goals from Miroslav Klose (2) and Torsten Frings completed a rollicking victory.

''It is a sign for the next match that the opponents at this World Cup are going to use their chances.'' Ballack has recovered from his calf strain and the 29-year-old midfielder should be back for the games against Poland on Wednesday and Ecuador on June 20.

Klinsmann will need him to introduce discipline to the side after a performance spoiled by first night nerves.

Arne Friedrich always looked slow and was at times caught woefully out of position on the right, while Per Mertesacker and Christoph Metzelder regularly failed to clear the ball with headers.

The defensive quartet was twice caught out trying to play offside and Paulo Wanchope took advantage each time to score the Costa Rican goals.

The problem for Klinsmann is that he has few options for improving his defence. Jens Nowotny or Robert Huth could come in at centre-back but neither man has been impressive in warm-up games.

''We know that we must improve one thing or another in the defence,'' said Klose, who was named man of the match on his birthday. ''We also may have been a little lethargic every now and again and we have to improve that.

''But we know we are strong up front.'' Klose is right, and that is why Klinsmann will not be too worried about the performance.

Bastian Schweinsteiger and Lukas Podolski, both just 21, attacked with such pace and aggression that Germany looked a threat every time they went forward.

Poland will be forced to take risks after their surprising 2-0 defeat by Ecuador. Germany, with Ballack back in the side, should surely be able to take advantage.

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