International Round-Up: Van Persie, Sagna And Djourou In Action

With just one game into the new Premier League campaign, International friendlies already become the main talking point of the week with several Arsenal players starring for their respective countries.

Here at Gooner Talk, we look to bring you the latest updates and results on how the Arsenal players are doing for their countries with a brief summary of how they got on.

The following players were in action tonight:

Theo Walcott – England v Czech Republic
Nicklas Bendtner – Denmark v Spain
Johan Djourou – Switzerland v Cyprus
Robin van Persie – Russia v Netherlands

Theo Walcott – England 2-2 Czech Republic

Theo Walcott was an unused substitute as England rescued a fortunate late draw against Czech Republic before the start of the 2010 World Cup qualifiers.

Milan Baros turned England skipper John Terry and had his shot deflected in off Ashley Cole to put the Czechs ahead.

England equalised with a powerful Wes Brown header but were out-classed and outplayed by the visitors.

Marek Jankulovski restored the Czech lead with a superb free-kick before Joe Cole scrambled home in injury time.

Nicklas Bendtner – Denmark 0-3 Spain

Young Dane Nicklas Bendtner failed to make any major impact on the game as Denmark slumped to a 3-0 loss over Euro2008 winners Spain.

Nicklas did prove to be the only bright spark in an abysmall game for the Dane’s with several decent shots on target.

To get a full taste of the game, visit Nicklas Bendtner News.

Johan Djourou – Switzerland 4-1 Cyprus

Johan Djourou maintained his impressive form as Switzerland thumped Cyprus for four goals in a damp Stade de Geneve.

FC Basel midfielder Valentin Stocker opened the scoring with a crisp drive which Antonis Georgallides couldn’t get too while further goals from Hakan Yak?n and Johan Vonlanthen cancelled out a meaningless Cyprus consolation.

William Gallas, Bacary Sagna and Gael Clichy – France 3-2 Sweden

William Gallas and Bacary Sagna played the full 90 minutes as France overcome Sweden thanks to a Karem Benzema goal and a Sydney Govou brace.

Henrik Larsson gave Sweden the lead, but France typically came back in true style.

It was the Arsenal right back who provided the assist for the equaliser, Lyon striker Benzema had the easy job of tapping it past Sweden’s keeper’ Andreas Issakson.

Govou capped off a fine performance with two well-taken goals, while Kim Kallstrom netted a late consolation from the spot.

Gael was an unused substitute.

Robin van Persie – Holland 1-1 Russia

Dutch wizard Robin van Persie got on the scoresheet as Holland drew 1-1 with Andrei Arshavin’s Russia side.

The countries, who met in the European championships quarter-final earlier this year which Russia won, both started cautiously.

Russia were unable to prevent the opening goal in the 23rd minute from van Persie, who sent the rebound into the top left hand corner with a precise shot from the edge of the box.

The Russian’s stepped up the tempo in the second half and managed to level with 13 minutes remaining through Zyryanov, who upset Dutch keeper Maarten Stekelenburg with a spotkick after Giovanni van Bronckhorst fouled Dmitry Torbinsky in the box.