Lahm hits out at Germany's critics

BERLIN, June 10 (Reuters) Germany's Philipp Lahm, scorer of a spectacular first goal in the 2006 World Cup, hit out today at ritics of the home nation's defensive failings in their 4-2 win over Costa Rica.

yesterday's opening match in Munich was a dream come true for the fullback, who served as a ball boy in the southern German city less than a decade ago.

But the Bayern Munich defender was not happy when repeatedly asked by German reporters about the fact the team conceded two goals against the unfancied Central American side.

''I don't think we need to apologise for winning 4-2 yesterday,'' the 22-year-old said.

''It was the opening game in Munich, there was a great atmosphere and I think everyone there was very satisfied -- they saw a great game, they saw four goals from us,'' he added.

''It's also clear that we have to sort things out so we don't lose two goals in future,'' Lahm said.

''But it's clear too that we're pleased -- we won the opening game and we've started the World Cup with three points. We'll see how the other teams get on over the next few days when they start, if they get clear wins,'' he declared.

As a youngster with Bayern, Lahm got the chance to be a ball boy when the Munich's Olympic Stadium hosted Borussia Dortmund's 1997 Champions League final victory over Juventus.

yesterday in Bayern's new home stadium, the Allianz Arena, he scored a beautiful curling goal in the sixth minute to open the scoring in this year's World Cup.

''The main thing was to win the opening game,'' Lahm said.

''The fact that everything worked out so well for me made it all the more special -- to play in a World Cup, in Munich, on my own doorstep, I can't think of anything better,'' he said.

''And to open it with a goal like that -- that's the kind of thing you dream of.'' REUTERS PDS BST1903