ITV World Cup pundits immediately rip into Gabriel as Brazil sent home | Football | Sport

Gary Neville, Ian Wright and Roy Keane have all criticised Gabriel after he failed to stop Erling Haaland as Brazil were dumped out of the World Cup by Norway.

The Arsenal centre-back and Manchester City talisman resumed their fierce rivalry on the international stage, with Haaland emerging victorious after netting twice to send both Brazil and Gabriel out of the tournament. His opener was a stunning header, though ITV’s World Cup panel have been scathing in their assessment of Gabriel’s inability to prevent it.

Neville began by paying tribute to Haaland’s match-winning quality: “He’s a massive character, a personality, and sometimes it’s said about these players that he never did it on the world stage – and that’s now been removed. I’m absolutely delighted for him.”

Yet he was quick to turn his fire on Gabriel’s disappointing handling of Norway’s No. 9.

He said: “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! I can’t believe it.

“There’s one man in the box. The advantage the defender has there is to go and block his run, block his run, get tight to him. But he’s the best at that Haaland. Once he gets a run on you and he jumps, you’ve no chance, you’re dead. And it’s a brilliant header.”

Roy Keane was also critical of the Brazilian defender, saying: “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.”

Arsenal legend Wright agreed with his fellow pundits. He added: “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 with his criticism of the Arsenal defender, though. He went on: “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.”