One of the surprises of the tournament from an Arsenal fan’s perspective is about the role in which record signing Mesut Ozil has played in Germany’s run in the tournament. The £42m man scored the decisive extra-time goal in the last 16 against Algeria and played a pivotal role in the demolition job on Brazil. Meanwhile, Lukas Podolski and Per Mertesacker have played peripheral roles.

Arsenal stars set to play big role in World Cup final

After almost four weeks’ worth of games, we have reached the end of the road in Brazil. The final will be contested between Joachim Low’s Germany and Alejandro Sabella’s Argentina, who got through the semis in contrasting ways. Germany tore hosts Brazil apart in a 7-1 win, while Argentina stuttered to a victory on penalties after being scoreless against the Netherlands.

One of the surprises of the tournament from an Arsenal fan’s perspective is about the role in which record signing Mesut Ozil has played in Germany’s run in the tournament. The £42m man scored the decisive extra-time goal in the last 16 against Algeria and played a pivotal role in the demolition job on Brazil. Meanwhile, Lukas Podolski and Per Mertesacker have played peripheral roles.

Written in the stats?

For the big game on Sunday, Ozil will probably start with Podolski as an option should they need to fire a few balls into the box at the end of the game. A World Cup win for the Germans may help Ozil to feel more confident for next season as we look to try and make a more sustained challenge in the league and the Champions League.

Predictions were made for the World Cup using a Head to Head tool. The outcome, rather surprisingly, found that Germany would be the winners, beating Argentina on penalties after being level at 1-1 following extra time. A close encounter would seem likely, given that both teams seem evenly matched, even if Argentina have Leo Messi to call upon!

Future stars

Even though the tournament still hasn’t finished, Arsene Wenger seems to have begun his summer shopping spree. To the surprise of many, we look like bringing in a couple of World Cup stars. A deal worth as much as £35m was agreed between Barcelona and Arsenal for forward Alexis Sanchez with the player being unveiled this week, while Newcastle’s France right-back Mathieu Debuchy is set to follow him.

As for the rumour mill, some other big names have been linked with us. Sami Khedira, who may be surplus to requirements at Real Madrid, could join the German contingent, possibly on the back of becoming a World Cup hero. Argentina’s Angel di Maria may yet come with him, sidelined due to the trio of Ronaldo, Bale and Benzema.

While both would be great, we really need to bring in a defender. Someone like Mats Hummels would be useful, although if we can give Costa Rica’s Joel Campbell some game time, he might flourish and take the pressure off Giroud et al.