World Cup: First Round

World Cup: First Round

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Midfielder Michael Ballack (13) and defenseman Jacek Bak (6) vie for a header during Germany's thrilling 1-0 victory over Poland Wednesday night in Dortmund.

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Poland's goalkeeper Artur Boruc makes one of his sensational saves against a relentless offensive assault from the host country. Germany out shot its opponent 17-4.

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Germany's Friedrich Arne tries to steal the ball from Poland's Jelen Ireneusz with this sliding tackle during Wednesday's game in Dortmund.

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Poland appeared to be on its way to earning a point for the draw when Oliver Neuville scored on a cross from David Odonkor in injury time, giving Germany its second win of the tournament.

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Defender Radhi Jaidi heads in the equalizing goal in stoppage time for Tunisia, which finished with a 2-2 draw against Saudi Arabia.

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David Villa (21) scores the second of two goals as Spain routed Ukraine 4-0 in Leipzig. It was a strong start for Spain, which has fielded talented teams in the past but has become notorious for choking on the international stage.

AP

Spain hopes to ride its fast start deep into the tournament. Its best World Cup result came in 1950, when it finished fourth.

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The ebullient Brazilians fans came by the thousands to support their team, heavy favorites to win the tournament in Germany.

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Croatia's Igor Tudor (right) and Jerko Leko sandwiched Brazilian midfielder Emerson. Brazil, the defending champion, won a tournament-record eighth straight game Tuesday, defeating Croatia 1-0 in Berlin.

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The Croatians fought admirably against Brazil's all-star cast, but Kaká quelled any thoughts of an upset with a goal in the 44th minute.

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Swiss fans celebrated their team's point-earning draw with France on Tuesday in Stuttgart.

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Willy Sagnol Daniel (left) and Gygax Swiss fight for possession during Tuesday's game between France and Switzerland at Gottlieb-Daimlerstad stadium.

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Superstar forward Thierry Henry (blue jersey) and his teammates will have to find their offense by Sunday when they face South Korea, which can advance to the second round with a win.

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Despite controlling the tempo of the game, France couldn't avoid its fourth straight shutout at the World Cup. Its last goal came in 1998, when it defeated Brazil 3-0 to win the championship.

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A throng of soccer fans gathered outside the Seoul City Hall in South Korea to watch their team's opening match against Togo. The South Koreans rallied from a one-goal deficit to dispatch the tournament newcomers 2-1 in Frankfurt.

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Ji-Sung Park (right) and South Korea narrowly escaped their opening match against Togo, the lowest-ranked team in the tournament. Togo might have pulled off the upset had it not lost its captain, Jean-Paul Abalo, to a red card in the 53rd minute.

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Chun-Soo Lee celebrates following South Korea's 2-1 win over Togo.