Former Arsenal flop Joel Campbell has gone on to break a record at the Qatar World Cup having been backed for big things by Gunners Arsene Wenger.
The 30-year-old winger is currently starring for Costa Rica at the tournament - the third time he has been at a World Cup in his career. Whilst his nation have not yet quite hit the heights of their 2014 peak where they topped a group including England, Italy and Uruguay to reach the quarter-finals in Brazil, they have still managed to cause a shock.
They earned their first victory of the tournament in Qatar against Japan on Sunday with Keysher Fuller’s strike proving enough for the three points. It now sets up the final matchday with Costa Rice still having a chance to reach the last-16 - albeit they have a huge disadvantage due to their inferior goal difference.
Key to their win over Japan was former Arsenal man Campbell. According to Squawka, the winger won 15 duels throughout the game which is a record so far for the tournament in one game.
Former Arsenal boss Wenger was a huge fan of the Costa Rican winger during his time at the Emirates Stadium. The Frenchman granted Campbell 40 appearances for the Gunners’ first time and was complimentary of his abilities at the time.
He said: “I very much like Joel for two reasons. Firstly, he has outstanding individual quality, but he’s also a team player and works very hard for the team.
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“I’m convinced he’ll get a chance here and he’ll take it. He has another opportunity tonight and I’m hoping he’ll show he has the quality to play for us.”
Campbell did not quite go on to enjoy the success expected of him with Arsenal. He was loaned out to Villarreal, Sporting Lisbon and Real Betis before being sold to Frosinone. He has gone on to represent Club Leon and Monterrey since then but still harbours ambitions of enjoying success on the international stage - starting with the World Cup knockout rounds.
Speaking after Costa Rica’s slender win against Japan, he said: "Losing 7-0 and then getting back up to beat Japan 1-0 - only a team with personality can do that. The result of the first match is something that can happen in football, but the good thing is that there is always a rematch."
They now face a crunch game against Germany in their final group game and a win would put them through to the last-16 of the World Cup for the second time in three tournaments.
"It won't be easy- they [Germany] are former champions - but I have faith in this team and anything can happen," said Campbell. "It will be difficult to qualify but we have the will and the courage."
