The last international break before the World Cup is upon us, as countries prepare for Russia 2018 – keeping an eye on football’s elite prestigious price. Great players have lifted this trophy in front of their country’s fans whilst some haven’t made it to the group stage, that’s something Ryan Giggs knows so much about.
With the Europa League second leg Round of 16 fixture against AC Milan being the Gunners last piece of action, until they host Stoke City at the Emirates on the first of April; the Gunners have a full two weeks break to rest and strategize for the remainder of the season.
The Gunners have players like Mesut Ozil, Danny Welbeck, Jack Wilshere, Sead Kolasinac, David Ospina, Laurent Koscielny, Mohamed Elneny and Alex Iwobi, who could be engaged in international friendly matches for their respective country.
For some of these players, being called up to represent their country is something they’re used to as they’re seen as one of their country’s star players, whilst a few players like Jack Wilshere and Danny Welbeck would relish this opportunity keeping in mind it’s been over a year since they last represented the Three Lions. We look at the opposition countries the players on international duty will face.
Alex Iwobi (Nigeria) Vs. Poland, Serbia
The Super Eagles of Nigeria would take on Poland and Serbia respectively, on the 23rd and 27th of March. They would take on Poland in Wroclaw, Poland, which should serve the Super Eagles as a great competition in their World Cup preparations; with Lewandowski named in the Polish team, the Eagle’s defence would have to be alert to snuff away threats by the Pole’s star man.
The match against Serbia would be played in London, England, which has seen the Super Eagles play some of their friendlies in this location in recent times. Serbia, who are ranked 34th in the FIFA ranking, wouldn’t be an easy opponent for the Super Eagles.
Mohamed Elneny (Egypt) Vs. Portugal, Greece
One of five African countries that would be represented at the World Cup, the Pharaohs play Portugal and Greece on the 23rd and 27th, with both matches played at Zurich, Switzerland. In the last 15 years, these two countries have won the Euros, with Greece beating Portugal by a goal to nothing in 2004 to lift the trophy, and Portugal beating France by one goal to nothing to lift the Euros in 2016.
It’s a tough test for Egypt but their star man Salah, who is in red-hot form at the moment, would be heavily relied on; but the like of Cristiano Ronaldo will be available to prove to them only football elites are deemed fit for the World Cup.
Jack Wilshere and Danny Welbeck (England) Vs. Netherlands, Italy
The Three Lions face the Netherlands and Italy on the 23rd and 27th in Amsterdam and London respectively. For Wilshere and Welbeck, this would be their chance to impress Southgate to include their names in the final 23-man list for Russia 2018.
Wilshere, who is easily England’s best midfielder when fit, should have no problem getting into the final list, except if hampered by injury. He’s been on a good run for the Gunners this season, with no major injury to worry about, I think Jack would be one of the players for jaw-dropping performances in Russia 2018.
Mesut Ozil (Germany) Vs. Spain, Brazil
The World Cup holders will face Spain and Brazil on the 23rd and 27th respectively in Germany. This will serve as good preparation, as they aim at retaining football’s prestigious asset. On their way to the trophy in 2014, they defeated hosts Brazil 7-1 and lost to Spain in the Euro 2012 final.
Although this is a friendly match, there will be scores to settle and Germany, which is a team filled with stars, look equipped for the test in the forthcoming days. Ozil, who is one of Germany’s most important players, would be available for assisting his teammates as always.
Laurent Koscielny, David Ospina (France) (Colombia) Vs. Colombia, Russia
Two Gunners may likely have a faceoff when France and Colombia meet on the 23rd of March in France. David Ospina and Laurent Koscielny could have a showdown against each other when their respective country meets in the friendly match.
Les Blues would then travel to Russia to play the host of the 2018 World Cup in their last friendly game before club football returns. France, who lost the Euro 2016 final to Portugal on home soil, would want to make it up to their fans and aim to win the World Cup in Russia.
Colombia will also take on Australia on the 27th in London, that will wrap up most of their World cup preparations, as club football rounds up. David Ospina should continue in goal for his country, as he’s always done for the Gunners in the Europa League.
Sead Kolasinac (Bosnia and Herzegovina) Vs. Bulgaria, Senegal
The Bosnian team who would be without their star keeper Asmir Begovic will have to make do, as they prepare for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Bosnia will face Bulgaria and Senegal on the 23rd and 27th respectively.
Senegal, another African country to also qualify for the World Cup will have a task at hand when they face Bosnia in France, which should be entertaining amongst them.
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