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Tomas Rosicky

Tomas Rosicky

SPECIAL REPORT

Czech Republic | Midfielder

Age: 25
Club: Arsenal
Achievements: Bundesliga title 2002, Czech Player of the Year 2001, 2002

One of Europe's top midfielders, Tomas Rosicky's talents must be hereditary; his father was also a famous player for Czechoslovakia.

With a reputation as a "football Mozart," Rosicky signed for German side Borussia Dortmund in 2001, becoming one of the most influential players in the Bundesliga and helping Dortmund to the German title and UEFA Cup final in 2002.

Rosicky has also been instrumental in making the Czechs one of the most consistent sides in international football, helping them reach the semifinals at Euro 2004 and, less tangibly, No. 2 in the FIFA world rankings.

With a tough first round group that also includes Italy, the U.S. and Ghana, the Czechs may face a tough time living up to that billing in Germany, but in Rosicky they should at least have one od the stars of the tournament.

Bound for English club Arsenal after the World Cup, the tournament also offers Rosicky a chance to sign off from Germany in style.

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