SPORTS> Soccer
Rosicky back on pitch after long break
(China Daily)
Updated: 2009-09-11 11:04

PRAGUE: Arsenal's Czech midfielder, Tomas Rosicky, made his first competitive appearance after 20 months on the sidelines in Wednesday's World Cup qualifier against minnows San Marino.

The 28-year-old, who has scored 19 goals in 68 games for the national team, has been out of action due to injury since Jan 2008 and has not played for Arsenal in the Premier League since then.

Rosicky produced several good passes and three shots on goal before leaving the pitch 56 minutes into the game in which the Czechs outclassed their rivals 7-0, with Galatasaray striker Milan Baros scoring four times.

Czech coach Ivan Hasek called up Rosicky to give a boost to a team that is now in fourth spot in Group Three, seven points behind leaders Slovakia, who defeated Northern Ireland 2-0. Slovenia and Northern Ireland have 14 points each.

Related readings:
Rosicky back on pitch after long break Arsenal boss infuriated by United's 'anti-football' tactics
Rosicky back on pitch after long break Arsenal eases into Champions League with 3-1 win
Rosicky back on pitch after long break Free-scoring Arsenal prepare for MU test
Rosicky back on pitch after long break Wenger looks to bolster Arsenal defense

Rosicky back on pitch after long breakMan Utd beat Man City, Chelsea thrashed Arsenal 4-1

All teams in the group but San Marino can still qualify for next summer's tournament in South Africa.

"I'm happy above all that Tomas could play, that he was ready for the game. I had a deal with (Arsenal manager Arsene) Wenger to keep Tomas on the pitch no longer than an hour," Hasek said.

The Czechs next face Poland and Northern Ireland in October and they have to win both games to keep their hopes alive.

"I believe (Rosicky) will be ready to play the whole 90 minutes by that time," Hasek said.

AFP