Germany started off with a 4-2 win over Costa Rica, but noone can predict what the game would have looked like without the sheer quality of the young left fullback. Lahm was the man who scored an opener on the 6th minute, and the one who served a well-balanced cross to Klose in the second half for the third German goal.

One thing is for sure. Lahm is one of the world's best youngsters in his position in FM2006, and definitely capable of producing those high-quality performances. A look at his stats can sound deceptive. With a mere 8 in finishing and a 12 in Long shots, it's a miracle that he managed to score the opening goal. However a 16 in crossing does guarrantee that his crossing was accurate.

In a match where Germany definitely lacked a playmaker, with Chelsea's Ballack on the bench, Lahm played most of the time with the ball down the left flanc. Quite expectant, given hi excellent physical (acceleration:18) and technique (16). 

Last but not least, Lahm can be a man for big matches. 15 in bravery and 17 in concentration were among the reasons he was not lost bearing the stress of such an important match

Screenshot at imageshack: http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/9691/lahm4ib.jpg