English club Arsenal is known for producing magnificent players and boasts more World Cup winners than any other Football club in the league. While West Ham and Manchester United have three World Cup winners each, Arsenal’s tally went up to six when Mesut Ozil, Lukas Podolski and Per Mertesacker helped Germany lift the World cup in 2014.
Of those who won the World Cup with different clubs but later played for Gunners include Thierry Henry, Robert Pires and Gilberto. As the 2018 FIFA World Cup creeps towards us, we give you five Arsenal players who made a lasting impact with their performances in World Cups.
1.Mesut Özil
Having over 89 international caps for Germany, Ozil delivered a phenomenal campaign in the 2014 World Cup. After ending Germany’s World Cup Qualifying campaign with a jaw dropping tally of eight goals, Ozil suffered an injury that caused him to move from his favourite left-winger position.
In spite of this, Ozil started all of the games for his country and scored his first goal in the 2-1 victory over Algeria in the round of 16. The semi-final against Brazil saw him providing the assist for Sami Khedira’s goal, helping Germany’s 7-1 annihilation of the World Cup favourites. Ozil ended the tournament with the highest number of passes completed (171) and stood second in chances created (17).
2.Cesc Fabregas
After carrying the Spanish team to the semi finals in the 2009 Confederations Cup, Fabregas cemented his spot in the 2010 FIFA World Cup playing squad. Although he did not start any of the games for Spain, Fabregas came as a substitute in four matches. The Spaniard played an integral role in the final, where he provided the assist which split the Dutch defence to reach Andrés Iniesta, who easily netted the ball.
3.Thierry Henry
Henry was playing for Monaco and was only 20 years of age, when he was called up for France’s 1998 FIFA World Cup squad. Barely known before the World Cup, Henry ended the tournament as France’s top-scorer, netting the ball on the three occasions. Henry was made Chevalier of the Legion d’honneur, which is France’s highest decoration. He joined Arsenal the next year and went on to become the club’s most prolific players.
4.Patrick Vieira
Having debuted for France in 1997 and a part of Arsenal’s squad since 1996, it came as a surprise to everyone when Vieira was picked up for the 1998 World Cup squad. However, he did not disappoint and played a key role in the final against Brazil, where he provided the assist for Petit’s goal and helped his country clinch the title. Patrick too was made Chevalier of the Legion d’honneur.
5.Emmanuel Petit
Emmanuel Petit was a gunner since 1997 and was representing France since 1990 when he was picked up for the French World Cup in 1998. The first goal came from his boot in a match against Denmark, when he scored from outside the box and the goal turned out to be the winner. His second goal in the World Cup won France the match along with the World Cup. The goal was the last World goal of the 20th Century along with being the 1000th goal for France Football Federation. Petit, along with all the other players in the team were knighted for their contribution.
