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July 17, 2014 / 9:27 AM

Score: Mesut Özil pays for Brazilian children's surgery to thank World Cup host for hospitality

The German midfielder will "support the surgery" of 23 children.

Mesut Ozil of Germany competes with John Boye (L) of Ghana during the 2014 FIFA World Cup. (Fiile/UPI/Chris Brunskill)

1 of 2 | Mesut Ozil of Germany competes with John Boye (L) of Ghana during the 2014 FIFA World Cup. (Fiile/UPI/Chris Brunskill) | License Photo

RIO DE JANEIRO, July 17 (UPI) -- In order to thank the host of the 2014 World Cup, German soccer player Mesut Özil will "support the surgery" 23 Brazilian children.

The Arsenal midfielder vowed to support 11 children prior to the start of the tournament -- to reflect the number of players on the pitch -- but he has decided to raise that number after Germany's victory.

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"Since the victory of the #WorldCup is not only due to eleven players but to our whole team, I will now raise the number to 23," Özil wrote on his Facebook page. "This is my personal thank-you for the hospitality of the people of Brazil. ‪#‎Bigshoe‬ ‪#‎Brasil2014‬."

Germany defeated Brazil 7-1 in the World Cup semifinal and Argentina 1-0 to win the whole thing.

It had been reported that Özil would donate his World Cup bonuses to assist the children of Gaza, but his representative denied those reports, according to the Guardian.

The 25-year-old is believed to have received more than $450,000 after the win over Argentina.

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