Gooner Talk

A superb solo goal from Arsenal forward Gervinho put Ivory Coast into the African Nations Cup final, as The Elephants won 1-0 against Mali in the semi-final.

François Zahoui’s talented side fought a hard-battled game but finally got their goal just before half-time after Gervinho sprinted 30 metres into the Mali penalty area, before finishing with aplomb.

Gervinho’s goal proved to be the most exciting moment in what proved to be a drab semi-final, with neither team looking like scoring during the first 45 minutes.

The 24-year-old, signed from Lille last summer for £10.8 million, has impressed at Arsenal so far this season tallying up 5 assists and 4 goals.

Ivory Coast will now will meet Zambia in Sunday’s final in Libreville.

Arsenal new-boy Andre Santos has not been included in the Brazil squad for their upcoming international friendlies against Costa Rica and Mexico.

The 28-year-old, who made his full debut in Arsenal’s 4-3 defeat at Blackburn last week, has recently fallen out of favour with Brazil boss Mano Menezes, prompting Bayern Munich’s Luiz Gustavo and Man United’s Fabio to be included in the squads instead.

Under-fire Menezes announced a separate list for the upcoming match against Argentina which only included players from Brazilian teams, while the international friendlies squad was dominated by footballers plying their trade abroad.

Five-time world champions Brazil are under pressure to improve their inconsistent form following a slip down the FIFA World Rankings to 7th from 3rd.

Santos is in contention to face Bolton at Emirates Stadium tomorrow afternoon.

Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere starts his third consecutive game for his country this evening, as England take on Ghana in an international friendly at Wembley.

The 19-year-old starlet impressed again for the senior side when he played in the 2-0 Euro 2012 qualifier against Wales on Saturday.

Despite West Ham reportedly asking for Scott Parker to be rested, Arsene Wenger didn’t request the same treatment for Wilshere. In midfield, Frank Lampard has been released from duty, with Gareth Barry filling in and taking the captain’s armband.

£35 million man Andy Carroll leads the line on his second appearance for England.

England starting XI v Ghana: Hart (GK), Johnson, Baines, Barry, Cahill, Jagielka, Milner, Wilshere, Carroll, Young, Downing.

International friendlies usually mean three things for Arsene Wenger’s side; knocks, bruises and injuries. However, it appears that the majority of Arsenal players have managed to stay injury-free during today’s games, much to the manager’s delight.

Gooner Talk have published a selection of match summaries from tonight’s friendlies, focusing on the Arsenal stars playing for their countries.

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England boss Fabio Capello has included Arsenal duo Theo Walcott and Jack Wilshere in his 25-man squad to face Denmark on Wednesday evening.

Wilshere, 19, is expected to start in the holding role position in Copenhagen giving Steven Gerrard more freedom to attack and push forward.

“Wilshere is the best young player. He now plays all the time with Arsenal. If you play with Arsenal, you are a really good player because Arsene Wenger likes good players. I think he’s mature enough to play this role. He’s a really interesting player,” said Capello.

Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner will start for the Danes in Wednesday’s game, despite his lack of playing time which has been bemoaned by Denmark coach Martin Olsen.

Capello’s 25-man squad to face Denmark:

Goalkeepers: Ben Foster, Joe Hart, David Stockdale
Defenders: Leighton Baines, Gary Cahill, Ashley Cole, Michael Dawson, Glen Johnson, Joleon Lescott, John Terry, Kyle Walker
Midfielders: Gareth Barry, Stewart Downing, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, James Milner, Scott Parker, Theo Walcott, Jack Wilshere, Ashley Young
Strikers: Gabriel Agbonlahor, Darren Bent, Peter Crouch, Jermain Defoe, Wayne Rooney.