Internationals: Walcott makes first start

[Linked Image]

Over the weekend, a host of Arsenal players were in action for their countries, most were competing in qualifiers for World Cup 2010. Arsenal.com brings you a round-up of how our international Gunners faired.


Player Profile - William GallasFrance

William Gallas, Gael Clichy, Samir Nasri, Bacary Sagna
Austria 3-1 France
Three of the four Arsenal players in Raymond Domenech's squad appeared in Vienna as France were brushed aside by Austria. William Gallas completed the match while Samir Nasri was replaced by former Gunner Nicolas Anelka after 80 minutes. Gael Clichy is still yet to appear for Les Bleus as he remained an unused subsititute. Clichy's fellow full-back, Bacary Sagna, managed 70 minutes before he was replaced.

Player Profile - Cesc FabregasSpain

Cesc Fabregas
Spain 1-0 Bosnia Herzegovina
Cesc Fabregas played a key role in Spain's victory over Bosnia Herzegovina. After being frustrated by the visitors for long spells of the game, the European champions finally made the breakthrough on 57 minutes. It was Fabregas who delievered a sumptuous through-ball for David Villa who rounded the keeper before slotting home from an acute angle. The Arsenal man was withdrawn after 64 minutes.
Player Profile - Kolo ToureIvory Coast

Kolo Toure, Emmanuel Eboue
Mozambique 1-1 Ivory Coast
Both Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Eboue completed 90 minutes as Mozambique held Ivory Coast on Sunday night. Bakary Kone broke the deadlock for the visitors just after half-time but Mozambique were back on terms four minutes later. Miro doing the damage for the home side. The draw leaves the Ivorians top of Group Seven maintaining their unbeaten record.
Player Profile - Robin van PersieHolland

Robin van Persie
Holland 1-1 Australia
Robin van Persie played 45 minutes as Holland crashed to a 2-1 home defeat in their friendly against Australia. Klaas-Jan Huntelaar had put the hosts in front after just six minutes but the visitors replied with strikes from Harry Kewell and Joshua Kennedy. The match formed part of Holland's preparation for their opening World Cup qualifier against Macedonia on September 10.
Player Profile - Theo WalcottEngland

Theo Walcott
Andorra 0-2 England
Theo Walcott made his first start for England as they eventually overcame Andorra. A frustrating evening saw the hosts put 10 men behind the ball but Joe Cole came off the bench to secure the points at the Estadio Olimpic, Barcelona. Walcott's pace caused Andorra major problems early on. He provided Jermain Defoe and Wayne Rooney with glorious opportunites within the opening 20 minutes as well as going close himself. An encouraging performance from the young winger.

Player Profile - Nicklas BendtnerDenmark

Nicklas Bendtner
Hungary 0-0 Denmark
Nicklas Bendtner was unable to make the breakthrough for Denmark and was eventually replaced by QPR's Marc Nygaard just three minutes from time in what was a turgid affair in Budapest. The Danes face an altogether tougher test on September 10 when they travel to Lisbon to face Portugal.
Player Profile - Aaron RamseyWales

Aaron Ramsey
Wales 1-0 Azerbaijan
Aaron Ramsey did not feature in Wales' victory over Azerbaijan. The 17-year-old will be hoping to play a part in his country's next fixture against Russia on September 10.
Player Profile - Alexandre SongCameroon

Alexandre Song
Cape Verde Islands 1-2 Cameroon
It was a bitter-sweet evening for Alex Song as Cameroon came from behind to beat Cape Verde Islands. Song played throughout before recieving his first yellow card after 82 minutes. Song was harshly dealt his second booking of the match deep into stoppage time but it did not stop the Indomitable Lions from claiming victory. They remain undefeated in Group One.
Player Profile - Johan DjourouSwitzerland

Johan Djourou
Israel 2-2 Switzerland
Johan Djourou completed the whole match as Switzerland managed a creditable draw in Israel. It could have been even sweeter for the visitors who found themselves 2-0 up after 56 minutes. Israel rallied and Yossi Benayoun halved the arrears on 73. substitute Ben Sahar ended Switzerland's hopes of an impressive victory two minutes into stoppage time. The Swiss host Luxembourg on September 10.
Player Profile - Lukasz FabianskiPoland

Lukasz Fabianski
Poland 1-1 Slovenia
Artur Boruc's suspension meant that Lukasz Fabianski completed the whole of Poland's draw against Slovenia. The young goalkeeper had a busy evening as Slovenia utilised the counter-attack throughout the game. A 17th-minute penalty was converted by Michal Zewlakow for Poland before a Slovenian break away was put away by Zlatko Dedic on 35.
Player Profile - Carlos VelaMexico

Carlos Vela
Mexico 3-0 Jamaica
Carlos Vela managed 78 minutes of Mexico's comprehensive victory over Jamaica as Sven Goran Eriksson made it two wins from two in charge of the hosts. Despite looking alert throughout, Vela was unable to trouble the scorers. Andres Guardado and Fernando Arce had put the hosts 2-0 up before defender Jose Magallon completed the rout on 63 minutes.