Clinical Klinsmann: 1994 World Cup Opening Match: Germany vs Bolivia highlights. The 1994 FIFA World Cup in the United States officially commenced on June 17, 1994, at Soldier Field in Chicago. Defending champions Germany faced off against Bolivia in the opening match of Group C, playing in front of an official attendance of 63,117 spectators. Managed by Berti Vogts, Germany fielded a highly experienced lineup featuring veteran sweeper Lothar Matthäus, Thomas Hässler, and Stefan Effenberg in midfield. Xabier Azkargorta’s Bolivian squad setup defensively, successfully frustrating the German attack throughout the scoreless first half. The deadlock was broken in the 61st minute when German forward Jürgen Klinsmann scored the definitive goal of the match, assisted by a pass from Thomas Hässler. Bolivia's challenges increased late in the second half following the tactical substitution of star midfielder Marco Etcheverry, who entered the pitch in the 79th minute only to receive a straight ...