Wenger’s World Cuppers Part 1

Jun 6, 2014; Chester, PA, USA; Costa Rica forward Joel Campbell (9) dribbles the ball during the second half of the friendly match against Ireland at PPL Park. The teams played to a 1-1 draw. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports

  Colombia: 3 Greece:0 While there are no current Gunners in either of these sides, there are two potential targets in the Colombian team. 

‘Keeper David Ospina started and made a few good saves, but didn’t really stand out. He looked fairly assured in the box, but had little to do as Greece are not really an attacking side as evidenced by their two shots on target.

Arsenal target Jackson Martinez came on as a substitute for Colombia in the 76th minute. This was my first real chance to get a look at him, as I rarely (read: never) watch the Portuguese league. Colombia were already 2-0 up by the time he came off the bench so we didn’t really see him in a particularly attacking mood. His best chance to cause some trouble came on a Colombian counter-attack, but Martinez inexplicably stood in a clearly offside position while waiting for the ball to get to him. The midfielder recognised this so decided to cut it back and allow the rest of his team to catch up. Had he been better in his positioning and movement, Martinez had a chance for a 1v1 with the goalie, but goals weren’t really needed at that point in the game.

Uruguay: 1 Costa Rica: 3 

What if I told you that this game was dominated by a winger who plies his trade in Europe. He’s owned by one of the biggest clubs in the world, and pulled the strings all day, ending up with both an assist and a goal. He known for his pace and dribbling skills as much as his ability to create and score goals out of nothing. His club team won it’s league and made a splash in the Champions League as well. What if I told you I was talking about… Joel Campbell?

In a game whose pre-kickoff headlines were dominated by talk about Suarez (would he be available after surgery) and Cavani (would he be able to carry the load without Suarez), the tables were turned by lowly Costa Rica, and all at the feet of on-loan Gunner, Joel Campbell. He was the best player on the pitch by a mile, and throughout the whole game the Uruguayan defenders were on their heels in trying to corral him.  After his sublime opening goal, Uruguay were on the back foot until the end. Following some brave heading from the Costa Rican centre half to score their second goal, the game was clinched on an inch perfect through ball from our boy, Campbell. Substitute Marco Urena, with his first touch oft the game, stroked home Joel’s sublime pass that took three defenders out of the equation.

Games like these can prove to club managers that players belong, and if his home is not in the premier league next season, Campbell has just added about £5 million pounds to his transfer fee. If he keeps up this level of play, not only could Costa Rica be a shock entrant into the knock-out stages, but Campbell could make a surprise appearance in Wenger’s first XI next year.

England: 1 Italy: 2

In a thrilling, and open affair, Italy prevailed over the most attacking and exciting England side we’ve seen in years. With The Ox sidelined for the first game, our only Arsenal player was Jack Wilshere. He came on as a sub for the last 20 minutes or so, when everyone on the pitch was tired. You would have thought that a fresh young Wilshere would be able to inject some energy into the side and help push on for that last goal, but he looked sluggish with the heat, and misplayed a few easy passes. Not really a great day for Jack as he neither helped push forward, or broke up any Italian attacks in the midfield.

The most recent high profile striker linked with Arsenal is winner of the Man of the Match award in this game – Mario Balotelli. He scored the winning goal as well as having an audacious chip cleared off the line by a defender. Despite often being caught out and frustrated by England’s offside trap, Super Mario managed to maintain his composure until the end to finish off the game. He had an excellent piece of movement in the box to elude Gary Cahill and poke home the winner with his head from about 3 yards out. He looked comfortable and much more mature than I remember from his Man City days. If Arsenal can get him for £20-£25 million as has been reported, we could be looking at a bargain signing that could fire us to the top of the league.

Ivory Coast: 2 Japan: 1

No current Arsenal players appeared in either side’s squad, but Serge Aurier – the tabloid’s favourite to be Wenger’s right back next season – seems to have had himself an excellent game. I didn’t watch the game (2AM kick-offs are a little much for me), but Aurier created both Ivorian goals and was awarded with two assists. Many were raving about his ability to put a cross in, so hopefully we will get to see him put a few balls on Giroud’s head next season. If he keeps up his play and then signs for Arsenal, I will be a lot less unhappy about losing Bacary Sagna.