Rosicky Sparkles in World Cup Opener

Arsene Wenger must be relieved to have signed Tomas Rosicky from Borussia Dortmund before the World Cup because after the 25 year old Czech Republic midfielder’s sensational performance in the opening game against USA, the player’s value has probably doubled.

No wonder he was named Budweiser Man of the Match. He scored twice in his side’s 3-0 win and might have had a hat trick. The first was a 36th minute screamer from around 25 yards which flew into the top right hand corner. Then in the second half he ran onto Nedved’s pass to outpace the US defenders before coolly flicking the ball past Keller - and he narrowly missed adding a third when he thundered a right foot shot against the bar.

But it wasn’t just the goals. On a sweltering day he showed good fitness levels and real awareness - supporting in defence and prompting in attack with slick imaginative distribution, quick darting runs and a wonderful understanding with the superb Pavel Nedved.

All he needs now is an injury free World Cup and time to settle in at Arsenal because if this game is anything to go by, Tomas Rosicky is going to be a real favourite.