Erling Haaland scored a brace to lead Norway to a 2-0 victory over Brazil in the World Cup, decisively winning his long-running feud with Arsenal defender Gabriel. The Manchester City striker rose above Gabriel to head home the opener and then fired a spectacular second, leaving Brazil on the brink of elimination.
Haaland Dominates in Personal Battle
The rivalry between Haaland and Gabriel has been intense, with past incidents including Haaland lobbing the ball at Gabriel's head after a late equalizer and Gabriel shouting in Haaland's ear after Arsenal's 5-1 win. At the World Cup, Haaland got the last laugh. "If I get a chance or two, it usually ends up being a goal," Haaland said post-match. "I don't know how I do it, but that's how it is. I almost think it's a gift from God when 2-0 goes in."
Gabriel Criticized for Defensive Lapse
Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville criticized Gabriel's defending on ITV Sport. "I'm fuming with Gabriel," Neville said. "He knows that centre-forward better than anybody. For him to stay five yards off him and go for a straight race on a header - with Haaland - absolutely crazy. I can't believe it." Neville added, "Once he gets a run on you and he jumps, you've no chance, you're dead. And it's a brilliant header."
Mixed 2026 for Gabriel
Gabriel's 2026 has been mixed: he won the Premier League with Arsenal but missed a crucial penalty in the Champions League final and now suffered this World Cup exit. Haaland, meanwhile, continues to prove his world-class status. "He's a massive character, a personality, and sometimes it's said about these players that he never did it on the world stage - and that's now been removed," Neville said. "I'm absolutely delighted for him."
Haaland's Feud with Gabriel
Haaland previously downplayed the feud, saying, "What happens on the football pitch stays there. That's just how it is. It's a battle, a war, so it's normal to have provocative acts in football. It's part of the game." Gabriel had his own take after Arsenal's 5-1 win: "I did it because he threw the ball at my head, to provoke him the way he provoked me. The moment we scored, he was right next to me, so I went straight to shouting in his ear."
Haaland now heads to Miami with Norway to face England, as City fans hope he has an off day in their upcoming match.
