Ruud Van Nistelrooy. Robin Van Persie. Arjen Robben. Most people can safely say that these three do not play with a sense of charity when they get the ball. The me first mentality of these players is quite pervasive. There was great relief at Old Trafford when RVN departed for Real. Robben was criticized during the 2006 World Cup by his team mates and fans for being a ball hog. RVP, a talented striker, is an exception to Wenger’s selfless scheme of play at Arsenal. He appears to have tunnel vision when he gets the ball.
Yet the second goal which Persie scored against France was the product of unprecedented co-operation between these three players. First, Nistelrooy’s artful drag back from the sideline and pass to Robben, who then charges upfield and to the left, dragging out the French defence, he looks up and sees Persie and Sneijder swiftly closing down on goal, lays down a perfect pass across goal which Persie crisply volleys. It had enough power to trickle home after Coupet got a hand to it. France is down two goals.