Former Arsenal and England defender Lee Dixon criticised Arsenal centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes after Erling Haaland opened the scoring for Norway in their 2-1 victory over Brazil in the World Cup last 16. The match, played in New Jersey, saw Haaland outmanoeuvre Gabriel to head home Andreas Schjelderup's cross in the 79th minute, before adding a second goal to seal Norway's place in the quarter-finals for the first time in the country's history.
Haaland's double sinks Brazil
Norway's victory over the five-time World Cup winners was secured by Haaland's two goals. The Manchester City striker first capitalised on Gabriel's defensive lapse, heading in from close range, then scored a long-range strike in the closing stages. Haaland has now scored seven goals in five games at the tournament. Norway will face the winner of England's match against Mexico in the quarter-finals.
Brazil had a penalty saved by Norwegian goalkeeper Orjan Nyland in the first half, with Bruno Guimaraes seeing his spot-kick stopped. The match had been goalless at the break.
Dixon's criticism of Gabriel
Reacting to Haaland's opening goal on ITV commentary, Lee Dixon said: "The script has been written. Andreas Schjelderup has looked lively since he's come on on that left-hand side and he's put the perfect cross in. The one sat on his backside is Gabriel after this. Just watch his movement: I'm gonna go on your left shoulder and then break into that space."
Dixon added: "Look at the space between, it's just asking for a cross on the penalty spot or around it and he gets it, in front. And he knows it Gabriel, he's been done. He's been done by the movement that we've seen throughout the Premier League season. Out to in, Gabriel beaten."
Dixon later stated: "It's an incredible goal tally he's got and Gabriel suffers again."
