News Roundup 7/7/10 - The Controversially Onside Edition

This ridiculous shot put Holland up 1-0 yesterday. Pic via Guardian.

• International Gunner Watch - Van Persie: After shocking Brazil on Friday, the Netherlands advanced to their first World Cup Final since 1978 after a 3-2 win over Uruguay. Much debate surrounds whether Robin van Persie was offside for De Oranje's second goal, the goal which put them ahead for good. My opinion: RVP was offside by a hair's width and did interfere with the goalkeeper's vision. By the letter of the law, the goal should not have stood. But, it wasn't as blatantly obvious as some other goals that have counted (*coughTevezcough*). [Guardian]
• Speaking of van Persie, he has requested a squad number change that is awaiting team approval. Likely to #10, which is being vacated by Gallas. [Gooner Talk]
• International Gunner Watch - Fabregas: It looked like there was a chance Cesc would start for Spain in today's semifinal against Germany, but thanks to a shin injury, it looks like he'll be starting on the bench again. [Guardian]
• Speaking of Fabregas, Barcelona has had to ask for a £125 million bank loan to cover unpaid wages for players and staff. No wonder they won't "overpay" for him... even though they've overpaid for everyone else over the past couple of years. Everything about Barca just feels smarmy. [Guardian, Telegraph]
• The Laurent Koscielny transfer deal should be completed within the next 24 hours, at £8.5 million. I've heard a rumor that he'll be wearing #6, which makes sense as that number was vacated by Senderos. [Daily Mail]
• Koscieny's soon-to-be-"former" French team Lorient, have already signed his replacement. That was fast... [Sky Sports]
• Arsenal's opening weekend fixture against Liverpool at Anfield has been moved for television to Sunday at 4:00 (11:00 Eastern.) I've been saying that would happen since the fixture list came out, but I don't think I typed that here anywhere, so you're just going to have to take my word for it. What? You don't believe me!?! [Arsenal.com]
• Oh, and Bendtner's hurt. That's one injury already for the start of the season... Bets on who's next? [Telegraph, ESPN Soccernet]
• Pre-season training has begun in North London! And the first friendly is in ten days! Get excited! [Arsenal.com]