Gary Neville, Ian Wright and Roy Keane have all criticised Gabriel Magalhaes after the Arsenal defender failed to stop Erling Haaland as Brazil were eliminated from the World Cup by Norway. Haaland scored twice, including a superb header, to send Brazil home.
Neville's Fury at Gabriel's Defending
Neville said: "He's a character, personality and sometimes it's said about, he never did it on the world stage' and now that's been removed. I'm fuming with Gabriel, he knows that forward better than anyone. For him to stay five yards off to go for a straight race for a header absolutely crazy. I can't believe it. Block his run, get tight to him, but he's the best at that, once he jumps, you're dead, brilliant header."
Keane and Wright Weigh In
Keane added: "Poor defending, he's not looking over his shoulder, he's got a run on him, ball into a good area and there's only going to be one winner. It's like we say about Kane, you know these guys are going to turn up. There's no doubt he was going to do the business, he's become more of a leader, that goal threat is always there."
Wright agreed: "I can't disagree with you on Gabriel. What I'm surprised with is that he didn't look at him once."
Neville's Final Assessment
Neville later stated: "I don't know how he didn't see him. He's about 14ft 2'. He's massive. And actually he's sort of in a decent position, Gabriel, where he's side on. So you're just thinking, as the ball's about to be crossed, go and make contact, don't let him have a run. I'm surprised Gabriel, in this type of game, as prepared as he would be, knowing him as well as he does, hasn't done that."
