Gary Neville, Ian Wright and Roy Keane all laid into Arsenal’s Gabriel after he failed to stop Manchester City rival Erling Haaland from scoring twice as Norway knocked Brazil out of the World Cup.
Gary Neville, Ian Wright and Roy Keane all slammed Gabriel after the Arsenal defender failed to contain Erling Haaland when Brazil crashed out of the World Cup to Norway.
The Arsenal centre-back and Manchester City striker extended their fierce rivalry onto the international arena, with Haaland emerging victorious as he netted twice to send Brazil and Gabriel packing. His opening strike was a magnificent header, as he physically bullied the Gunners defender.
And ITV’s World Cup experts savaged Gabriel for his inability to prevent the goal. Neville kicked off: “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 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 backed his fellow pundits, reports the Mirror. He said: “I can’t disagree with you on Gabriel. What I’m surprised with is that he didn’t look at him once.”
Neville wasn’t finished there and went on to criticise the Arsenal star. He subsequently 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.”
Speaking on BBC, former City goalkeeper Joe Hart said Gabriel had been “bullied” by Haaland.
The stunning victory for Norway sees them arrange a quarter-final clash against either England or Mexico. Their encounter at the Azteca Stadium is scheduled to kick off at 7pm local time (2am BST) after being postponed due to thunderstorms.
Torrential rain has descended upon Mexico City, with thunder rumbling overhead, and lightning is predicted for the forthcoming hours.