Former England legends Gary Neville, Roy Keane, and Ian Wright have criticised Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes for his questionable defending during Brazil’s 2-1 defeat to Norway. Erling Haaland scored twice, with his first goal coming after he outmanoeuvred Gabriel to head in Andreas Schjelderup’s cross.
Neville said on ITV: “I’m fuming with Gabriel… 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.” Keane added: “Poor defending.” Wright said: “I’m surprised Gabriel didn’t actually look for him once.” Norway will face England in the quarter-finals.
Key Points:
Gabriel was blamed for not tracking Haaland effectively
The defeat ended Brazil’s World Cup campaign in the Round of 16
Haaland’s performance has established him as a tournament superstar
Norway reach their first-ever quarter-finals
Arsenal defender’s form in the tournament has come under scrutiny
Norway will face England in the quarter-finals. Gabriel will face criticism as Brazil reflects on another early tournament exit.
Sources: ITV
