Ok, as much as internationals annoy me during the season because they interrupt Arsenal football, I have to say I’m enjoying the shite out of this World Cup so far.
Goals, shocks, things happening that don’t normally happen. It’s awesome. Yesterday, during the Uruguay v Costa Rica game, a defender kung-fu kicked the ball about 500 feet into the air. It took ages for it to come back down again. So brilliant, it’s the kind of thing you normally see on in hungover Sunday league game. Almost my favourite moment of that match.
Of course, Arsenal’s Joel Campbell really caught the eye as the Costa Ricans pulled off something a shock against a Uruguay side without Luis Suarez in it. He scored a fine equalising goal, almost curled in a beauty from about 30 yards, then provided an assist for the game clinching third goal. And what a pass it was too.
I’ve been somewhat dubious about his future and I have to say I thought Arsene’s decision to let him go on loan last summer after securing his work permit was probably because he didn’t rate him enough. Especially as he kept Ryo with the squad and I think it’s pretty clear Campbell is a much better player at this point.
However, on the big stage he performed – like he did against Man Utd in the Champions League – and that’s got to stand in his favour. If one of the justifications for bringing Carlos Vela back was that it was a cheap way of adding depth to the squad, then the same must apply to Campbell. Except we won’t have to pay anything, nor does it preclude the signing of another striker as he looks as if he can operate well on the flanks. Anyway, it was interesting to see him play and I’ll definitely be watching the rest of the Costa Rica games to see how he gets on against tougher opposition.
Then England played Italy last night in what was, I thought, a thoroughly enjoyable game. Despite some shortcomings, England were really good I thought. More attacking and adventurous than in previous tournaments, but obviously the result didn’t go their way. Italy took the lead, England’s equaliser was really superb and provided a bizarre moment when Gary Lewin dislocated his ankle in the celebration.
It seems the former Arsenal physio slipped on a water bottle, and he had to be stretchered off. Cue about a million jokes about Arsenal’s injury problems and how he’d be out for three weeks, but hopefully he recovers well and quickly. Their next game is against Uruguay and if they play like they did last night, they should be able to win that one. Suarez’s fitness might have a big bearing on that one.
As for Italy’s winner, scored by Mario Balotelli, it’ll increase the desire to bring the Italian to London this summer. His chipped effort in the first half was brilliant, matched by the fantastic goal line clearance from Jagielka. Great forward play and great defending. Jack Wilshere got on for about 20 minutes but didn’t really contribute a great deal, while Wayne Rooney’s World Cup goal drought continued – and he’ll surely have nightmares about that chance he missed when he really should have brought England level.
After that it was Japan v Ivory Coast and I said ‘Fuck it, it’s the World Cup. I’m staying awake for this one’. Then, after 10 minutes, I realised it was 2.10am said ‘I’m too tired to give a shit’, and went to bed. Turns out Gervinho scored the winner, and both Ivory Coast goals were set up by Serge Aurier – the man who has single-handedly linked himself with an Arsenal move so often that it’s just assumed we’re going to buy him.
Maybe we are, I don’t have a clue, nor have I ever seen him play. Apparently he’s a bit suspect at the old defending thing though, which is quite important for a full back, and I’m not overly keen on revisiting that whole Ivory Coast attacking full back who isn’t that good at defending thing. Feels like running across roof-tops drunk: something you do once and get away with and you really shouldn’t try your luck again.
Anyway, it was all good fun, and hopefully it continues because so far the duff games have been few and far between. It’s so nice just to watch football without any vested interest in any of the games, beyond wanting the Arsenal players to do well. And someone on Twitter called me a GAYLORD! It’s so great.
Let’s hope we get some more of that today. Arsenal interest comes as France take on Honduras with Giroud the most likely contributor.
Till tomorrow.
