Rosicky - on painkillers - helps Czechs through

Czech midfielder Tomas Rosicky, who scored the Czechs lone goal against Norway on Wednesday to secure the national side's first appearance at the football World Cup since 1990, reportedly played on painkillers. He had been doubtful with injuries to his knee and ankle. In the end, the player opened the scoring in the 35th minute at Prague's Sparta stadium, leading the Czechs to win the final play-off against Norway 2 goals to nil on aggregate. Rosicky has described his goal as the "most important of his career".

Author: Jan Velinger