Wenger’s World Cuppers Part 1
By Rhys T-J
Jun 7, 2014; Landover, MD, USA; Spain midfielder Santi Cazorla (20) dribbles the ball against El Salvador at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Day 2:
Mexico:1 Cameroon:0
Soon-to-be Arsenal player (again) Carlos Vela is Mexican, but hasn’t played for the Mexican team since 2011. He has had a falling out with the Mexican FA due to some mysterious argument that seems to stem from his sixth month ban. Not playing international football seems to have helped his club career after a season in which he scored and assisted in double figures in La Liga. Due to his exploits, Arsenal are expected to exercise their buy-back clause in Vela’s contract from Real Sociedad.
Given his previous troubles in the Premier League, it is unlikely that Vela appears for Arsenal again, but given that his market value is significantly more than the price Wenger will have to pay for him, this is easy money for the club. Reports suggest that he will be sold back to Sociedad for about £11 million. In effect Arsenal are being paid £8 million to allow Sociedad to keep a player they have no interest in. I guess his problems in the Mexican National Team camp are a gain for Arsenal.
Spain:5 Netherlands:1
Jun 7, 2014; Landover, MD, USA; Spain midfielder Cesc Fabregas (10) dribbles the ball against El Salvador at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Given that no current Arsenal players appeared and the FIFA 14 like nature of the game its hard to take much from what will arguably be the most exciting game of the tournament. Our Spanish magician, Santi Cazorla, didn’t play in Spain’s humiliation, but the “Traitor Who Will Not Be Named” came on as a late substitute after the game was already over. Wenger’s other traitorous ex-captain scored one scrappy centre forward’s goal as well as an absolute screamer with his head.
Seriously though, feast your eyes on this rocket. This is Ronaldo-esque. And I mean Fat Ronaldo.
Chile: 2 Australia: 1 Another game that didn’t feature any Arsenal players or likely transfer targets. Tim Cahill of the New York Red Bulls is the closest link I can find to Arsenal, in that he is Mikel Arteta’s best friend from their Everton days. What will be interesting to watch is if Chile can grab the second qualifying spot in this group, given Spain’s awful opening performance.