:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/assets/375894/101989410.jpg)
Three Arsenal players featured on the opening day of the 2010 FIFA World Cup: Carlos Vela started at striker for Mexico, Abou Diaby started at central midfield for France, and Bacary Sagna started at right back for France.
None of the three made a huge impact on their games; Vela had a goal rightly disallowed for offside, as only one South African was betwixt he and the goal when he got the ball.
Sagna was solid for France; Diego Forlan cut in from his side and menaced a bit, having one good shot saved in the first half. In the second half, a nasty tackle by Nicolás Lodeiro (for which he was sent off) momentarily sent Sagna limping to the touchline. Luckily for Arsenal fans, he appeared to recover fully.
Abou Diaby looked just like he does for Arsenal in the midfield; lanky, dribbling well, and trying to hold off about three challengers. He often distributed the ball out wide to Franck Ribéry, only to never see it again.
What did you think of the opening day's matches and of Arsenal's representatives?