The World Cup has played out the final set of the second group stage games and things are now being set up nicely for the final matches. Monday saw dramatic clashes between Cameroon and Serbia, South Korea and Ghana, Brazil and Switzerland and finally Portugal and Uruguay.
The ties have given the chance for big players to step up and show their ability on the biggest stage of them all and right before the January transfer window. As Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his first-team squad in the new year football.london will be covering the performances of Arsenal’s potential transfer targets across the tournament.
Ensure you return after each matchday for comments on the performances of the players the Gunners have been linked to throughout the tournament.
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Sergej Milinkovic-Savic
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic announced himself at the World Cup with a big goal in Serbia’s 3-3 draw with Cameroon in one of the games of the tournament. Looking like Serbia might go in down at the break, two goals in quick succession saw them take the lead with the second coming from the Arsenal-linked midfielder.
Receiving the ball on the right, he cut onto his weaker left foot before striking an effort toward the Cameroon goal. Devis Epassy got a hand to the ball and arguably should have done better, but the strike found its way into the back of the net.
Nico Elvedi
Switzerland knew that the pressure to get a result against Brazil was lessened having won their opening game and seeing Serbia draw with Cameroon. However, to get anything from their clash with the favourites the defence was always going to be key. Arsenal-linked Nico Elvedi started in the back line once again with Manuel Akanji.
However, despite holding firm for more than 80 minutes, eventually, the pressure broke the stubborn Swiss backline. Although not at fault, Nico Elvedi could only watch as Casemiro's strike found the back of the net; overall he can be proud of the performance he put in.
Ruben Neves
Portugal knew a win would secure their place in the knockout rounds after South Korea lost 3-2 in a chaotic clash against Ghana beforehand. A tough physical battle would have to see midfield star Ruben Neves - who has been linked with Arsenal - control the game.
The 25-year-old managed to do that in a tight contest, allowing his forward players to create their big chances. He was substituted in the second half though, picking up a worrying knock beforehand.
Facundo Torres
Arsenal continue to be linked with a move for Orlando City winger Facundo Torres, who would have been hoping to impress in the World Cup with Uruguay. He has struggled to do that so far as he was an unused substitute in the 2-0 loss to Portugal on Monday evening.
Torres' World Cup dream isn't over though as a huge clash against Ghana next up could let him cement himself as an option to book themselves into the knockout rounds.
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