Gary Neville, Ian Wright and Roy Keane all criticised Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes after he failed to contain Erling Haaland during Brazil's 2-0 defeat to Norway in the 2026 World Cup round of 16. Haaland scored twice, including a powerful header where he physically dominated Gabriel, sending Brazil and the Arsenal centre-back out of the tournament.
Neville 'Fuming' with Gabriel
Speaking on ITV, 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
Roy 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."
Ian 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 Continues Criticism
Neville later added: "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."
Joe Hart: Gabriel 'Bullied'
Speaking on BBC, former Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart said Gabriel had been "bullied" by Haaland. The victory means Norway will face either England or Mexico in the quarter-finals. That match, scheduled to kick off at 7pm local time (2am BST) at the Azteca Stadium, was postponed due to thunderstorms and torrential rain in Mexico City.
