Franz Beckenbauer, president of the Organizing Committee of the World Cup 2006, visited Costa Rica last week and wished the country the best of luck at the event – except in the inaugural match June 9 in Munich against the German team.
“I have one desire (for the Ticos) … that they win all their matches in the World Cup, except this one,” the German said jokingly.
“To participate in the World Cup is a gift, but to play in the inaugural match that will be watched by about two billion people is the best opportunity for a country to present itself before the world,” Beckenbauer said.
