When Germany hosted the 2006 World Cup, much was expected of them. They had been runners up in 2002 and were led by 1990 World Cup winner, Jurgen Klinsmann. This was an era of positivity brimming with a core of young players (Lukas Podolski, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Phillip Lahm amongst others) after the restructure of their game after their underwhelming performances at France 1998 and Euro 2000.
Phillip Lahm won the heart of his nation and the world when he opened the tournament with this cracking effort. Looking at the progression he has made, it’s safe to say: A star was born.