World Cup Qualifier round up

By: travis | September 7th, 2008

As could be expected, lots of Gunners in action over the weekend in World Cup Qualifiers, mostly in the UEFA region. As promised, a brief look at each player and his role (if any):

Alexandre Song Billong
Started and played 90 minutes for Cameroon in their 2-1 win over Cape Verde Islands.

French National team
Samir Nasri started and played 79 minutes, Sagna saw 71 minutes of action, and Gallas started and played the full 90 min. Gael Clichy rode the bench for the whole match as France fell in a laugher to Austria, 3-1. Shame on your Domenech.

Cesc Fabregas
Cesc started and played 65 min for Spain in a 1-0 win against Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Lukasz Fabianski
Started and played the whole match against Slovenia in Poland’s 1-1 draw.

Theo Walcott
Started and went the distance in England’s 2-0 win over Andorra. Didn’t catch the match, but heard that he was the long bright spot on a rather dreary English side.

Johan Djourou
Started and played the entire match in Switzerland’s 2-2 draw with Israel. Curious that Philippe Senderos wasn’t in the squad; I guess he sort of counts as a loaned Arsenal player.

Nicklas Bendtner
Started and played 87 minutes in a boring 0-0 draw between Denmark and Hungary. Watched a bit of it. Not exciting stuff.

Carlos Vela
The young striker started and played 87 min for Mexico in their 3-1 win over Jamaica. Perhaps the Jamaicans could have used Usain Bolt up front as a striker. I’d give him a look.

Cote d’Ivoire
Eboue and Toure both started and played the whole match in their 1-1 draw with Mozambique. I don’t know that much about African soccer, but that looks like a bit of an upset in my eyes.

Robin Van Persie played a half against Australia in a friendly that took place in London. He emerged unscathed and isn’t schedule to miss any time. Adebayor’s Togo game was suspended and he’ll play on Wednesday. Aaron Ramsey hasn’t got his first cap for Wales yet either, and he’ll probably have to wait awhile. Lots more action to take place on Wednesday, with a full recap to come after yet.