A Look At The World Cup Gunners

With just two weekends of Premier League action remaining in the 2013/2014 season, many of Arsenal’s stars will have one eye on the upcoming World Cup in Brazil which promises to be a wonderful tournament. The Gunners may look back at their campaign with a certain level of regret as they ultimately failed to hold onto their early dominance, but are poised to get the better of Everton in the race to finish fourth, and therefore enter the Champions League qualifying phase. Arsene Wenger will demand consummate professionalism from his side in the knowledge that they may switch off with the World Cup on the horizon. Numerous players are likely to be called up to represent their respective country in the most prestigious football event that is the crowning achievement in any professional footballer’s career.

South Korea

A wide array of top quality players, combined with an attractive style of football, has raised belief that football punters should back South Korea as possible outsiders to shock the world and go all the way in Brazil 2014. Their stock has rose in the 21st Century through impressive performances in World Cup tournaments that demonstrated their ability to play fast, free-flowing football that is as catching on the eye as it is effective. Many Arsenal fans would be forgiven for forgetting that one of South Korea’s key players is still at the club, as Park Chu Young has spent the whole of the season away from the Emirates on loan, with the striker currently playing for Championship side Watford. This summer’s World Cup could be the tournament where Arsenal’s forgotten man reminds Gunners fans of his ability to lead the line and score goals.

Germany

Although soaring humidity and high temperatures are likely to favour South American nations, Germany have been backed as Europe’s greatest hope to win the World Cup. They have maintained a long-standing tradition of being formidable during major tournaments through an ability to become considerably difficult to break down through pure strength, whilst also carrying a potent attacking threat. The current generation of German players may already be considered amongst the best in world football, with considerable efforts and funding going towards youth academies in Germany that have become an ever-productive conveyor belt for the future.

Per Mertesacker may be considered amongst the old guard of what is expected to be a relatively young 23-man squad, but the big German has been outstanding throughout for Arsenal. Although pace has never been his forte, Mertesacker has remained commanding in defence and his reading of the game is second to none. Standing ahead of him further up the pitch will be Mesut Ozil who has experienced a mixed time of things in his first Premier League season, with flashes of sheer brilliance spoiled by numerous poor performances where the former Real Madrid star fails to shine. There is no doubting Ozil’s quality, and the creative wizard stands every chance of shining at the World Cup as one of the best players. Fellow Gunner Lukas Podolski is also making a strong claim for a place at the World Cup through impressive performance following a long injury lay-off which may catch the eye of Joachim Low.

England

Despite dwindling optimism and positivity, the whole country will no doubt get behind the England national team and support them throughout Brazil 2014. The Three Lions are not only as far back as potential dark horses in the bookmakers’ eyes, but there is growing concern that they may not qualify out of a tough group that includes Italy and Uruguay. Roy Hodgson will look to get the best out of Jack Wilshere in Brazil, with the diminutive Arsenal midfielder enjoying another productive season in his development into a top player. Wilshere’s season has once again been affected by injuries, but there is growing optimism that he will be fit to play at the World Cup. The same, however, could not be said for Theo Walcott who has been sorely missed by Arsenal who failed to hold onto top spot in the Premier League in his absence. A cruciate ligament injury is likely to rule Walcott out of the World Cup which could be an unfortunate blow for Roy Hodgson to take.

France

England are not alone in being World Cup participants who will arrive in Brazil with considerably less hope and aspiration than in previous years, with France also suffering a certain fall from grace. Reaching the 2006 World Cup Final should have provided the foundations for France to remain amongst the leading lights in international football, but have instead faced a downward spiral amidst acrimony and controversy within the ranks. Didier Deschamps’ side sit alongside Belgium, England and Colombia in being Brazil 2014 dark horses, with natives hoping for no repeat of the South Africa 2010 debacle. Laurent Koscielny has established himself as a first-choice centre back for club and country, with the defender enjoying a superb Premier League campaign alongside Per Mertesacker. Fellow defender Bacary Sagna may also be included in the 23-man squad, although the Gunner faces considerable competition from Newcastle’s Mathieu Debuchy and the highly-rated Chelsea teenager Kurt Zouma for the right-back berth. 

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