World Cup wonder goals: The Little Mozart composes a corker
We count down to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ by showing a wonder goal each day. Today’s shows Tomas Rosicky’s strike for Czech Republic against USA in 2006.
We’re counting down to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ by showcasing a golazo from the global finals each day.
USA v Czech Republic Germany 2006 | Group E FIFA World Cup Stadium, Gelsenkirchen
Czech Republic carried considerable hype into their ninth World Cup. Karel Bruckner’s boys were second on the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking. Even in the absence of the injured Milan Baros, they were able to field elite performers such as Petr Cech, Karel Poborsky, Pavel Nedved, Tomas Rosicky and Jan Koller in their opener against USA. It didn’t take long for Czech Republic to flash their credentials, Jan Koller’s thumping header from Zdenek Grygera’s devilish delivery snapping the deadlock in the fifth minute. It set up an eye-catching 3-0 victory headlined by Rosicky. ‘The Little Mozart’ bagged a brilliant brace and would have taken the adidas Teamgeist home had it not cannoned to safety off Kasey Keller’s crossbar. The pick of his pair was a spectacular, swerving strike into the top corner from 30 yards.