Gary Neville, Ian Wright and Roy Keane criticized Gabriel for failing to stop Erling Haaland as Brazil were kicked out of the World Cup by Norway.
Arsenal’s centre-back and Manchester City’s talisman resumed their fierce rivalry on the international stage, with Haaland scoring two goals for the win and sending Brazil and Gabriel out of the competition. His first shot was a stunning header, but ITV’s World Cup committee criticized Gabriel’s inability to prevent it.
Neville began by paying tribute to Haaland’s match-winning qualities, saying: “He’s a great character, a great personality and sometimes people say about these players that they never did that on the world stage, but now that’s no longer the case. I’m really happy for him.”
Still, he was quick to take aim at Gabriel’s disappointing response to the Norwegian No.9.
He said: “I’m angry with Gabriel. He knows center forwards better than anyone. For him to go straight for a header from five yards out – against Haaland – is just crazy! I can’t believe it.”
“There’s one guy in the box. The advantage the defender has there is to go and block his runs, block his runs and get right up to him. But he’s the best in that Haaland. Once you get run by him and he jumps, you have no chance, you’re dead. And it’s a great header.”
Roy Keane also criticized the Brazilian defender, saying: “He defends poorly, he doesn’t look over his shoulder, he makes runs and puts the ball into good areas, there can only be one winner.”
“It’s like what we say about Kane, you know they’re coming. There’s no doubt he was going to do the job. He’s become more of a leader. The goal threat is always there.”
Arsenal legend Wright agreed with his fellow pundits. He added: “I don’t agree with you about Gabriel. What surprises me is that he never saw him.”
However, Neville was not finished with his criticism of the Arsenal defender. He continued further. “I don’t know how he didn’t notice. He’s about 14-foot-2. He’s huge. And he’s actually in a decent position, Gabriel, side-on.”
“So if the ball is about to be crossed, I’m trying to go and make contact and not let him run. I was surprised that Gabriel didn’t do that in this kind of game, knowing him so well and being ready.”
