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Nicknamed "The Tsar", playmaker Alexander
Mostovoi is the creative catalyst behind Russia's attack.
A gifted midfielder, Mostovoi distributes the ball with
expertly with technical precision. He masterfully pulls
the strings from midfield, supplying his strikers with
exquisite passes. His slick dribbling skills and goal-scoring
record have made him an integral part of Russia's national
team since making his international debut in 1990.
A native of St. Petersburg, Mostovoi made his debut
with Spartak Moscow in the Russian first division at
age 18. Mostovoi spent five seasons there, scoring 13
goals in 1991, helping his club win the league title
and reach the semi-finals of the European Cup.
Benfica purchased the midfielder in 1992 but Mostovoi
failed to catch on in Portugal, playing in a mere nine
games during the season. He left for France the following
year, shuffling between Caen and Strasbourg, where he
helped the side win the 1995 Coupe de France.
Mostovoi currently plays in Spain for Celta Vigo, where
he is a teammate of fellow Russian international star
Valery Karpin. In recent seasons, he has established
himself as the heart and soul of the team by scoring
over 40 goals and leading the club to the finals of
the Copa Del Ray in 2001.
Recently hinting that he would retire from the national
team after the tournament, Mostovoi, 33, is faced with
the opportunity to prove himself on the international
stage one last time, despite a hip injury suffered shortly
before the World Cup.
Since the Russian defence has been highly suspect of
late, the onus will likely be on Mostovoi to keep the
Russian offence at least one step ahead of the opposition.
"If I was 20, I would've told myself just enjoy
the World Cup atmosphere, but for someone over 30 it's
totally different," Mostovoi said. <P>
"I know very well this is my last chance to prove
something at this level. It's also true for many of
my teammates."
With files from Reuters
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