Arsenal stars from across the globe are all hoping to make a huge impression on the world stage in the 2022 edition of the World Cup in Qatar. Ten Gooners have made the trip to compete, with some meeting up with one another in their national team setups, while others are facing off on the pitch.
While those clashes are going on, club allegiances are set aside as each nation looks to make it as far as they can into the tournament. There have already been instances of Arsenal players facing off against one another, and this was the case once again on Monday afternoon.
Granit Xhaka took his Switzerland side into battle against Brazil, who have Arsenal duo Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli in their ranks. With their club ties in mind, the Swiss talisman was questioned over whether he would let that cloud his judgement in the match.
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The Arsenal star told media ahead of the game: "We were joking before the World Cup to come here and of course, it is always good if you have team-mates opposite your, but we are professional footballers and for 90 minutes. I told Gabby Martinelli and Gabby Jesus 'If you are running one against one against our goalkeeper I will smash you!'
"It doesn’t matter that we are playing in the same team. This is the Word Cup. You play for your own team, you play for your own country and you want to win."
Xhaka certainly stayed true to his word as his clattered over Jesus in the dying minutes of the game as the Swiss tried to fight their way into the game. It wasn't enough though as Casemiro's late super strike was enough for the Selecao to confirm progression to the knockouts.
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