Following the match at the New York/New Jersey stadium, former defender Gary Neville deemed Gabriel's error on the opening goal unacceptable, despite his familiarity with Haaland from numerous Premier League encounters between Arsenal and Man City. "I'm genuinely angry with Gabriel", Neville stated on ITV Sport. "He understands Haaland better than anyone. Yet, he stood several meters away, then rushed into an aerial challenge as if in a speed race. It's crazy".

Erling Haaland (9) heads in Norway's opening goal during their 2-1 victory over Brazil in the World Cup 2026 Round of 16 at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA on 5/7. Photo: AP

According to the former Manchester United defender, Gabriel should have actively closed down Haaland, blocking his run instead of allowing the Norway striker to gain momentum and jump. Neville commented, "In the penalty area, only one player needed marking. A defender's advantage is to block movement, closing down from the outset. Once Haaland has momentum and jumps, the opportunity is lost".

Roy Keane echoed his former teammate's sentiments. The former Ireland midfielder believed Gabriel committed a basic defensive error by failing to observe his opponent's position. "That was poor defending", the 54-year-old midfielder remarked. "He did not even look over his shoulder to locate Haaland. Haaland had already gained an advantage with his run, and the cross was perfectly delivered, ensuring only one winner in that play".

Ian Wright also expressed surprise at Gabriel's actions. "What surprised me most is that Gabriel did not even look at Haaland once".

Neville continued his detailed analysis of the situation. He noted that Gabriel was not in a disadvantageous position before Andreas Schjelderup delivered the cross. "I do not understand why he failed to see Haaland", the former England defender added. "He is so large. Gabriel was in a reasonably good side-on stance. As the cross was about to be made, the necessary action was to immediately engage, preventing Haaland from gaining space to accelerate. I am very surprised because Gabriel knows Haaland so well, yet he did not act".

The opening goal came in the 79th minute. Substitute Andreas Schjelderup delivered an accurate cross from the left wing into the penalty area. Gabriel, marking Haaland, maintained a considerable distance. The Norway striker surged forward, leaped high, and headed the ball into the far low corner, leaving Alisson with no chance to save.

This goal proved to be the turning point of the match. Just minutes later, Haaland completed his brace, extending Norway's lead to 2-0. Brazil managed to pull one goal back from a Neymar penalty in stoppage time but ultimately succumbed to a 1-2 defeat.

According to Neville, Haaland's brace also dispelled significant doubts surrounding him. He stated, "People once said he had not performed on the big stage. Now, that is no longer the case".

The victory also marked Norway's first-ever advancement to a World Cup quarter-final. Haaland emerged as the central figure, scoring both decisive goals and reaffirming his goal-scoring prowess in major matches.

Beyond Gabriel's error, Brazil also lamented numerous missed opportunities. In the first half, Bruno Guimaraes failed to convert a penalty after goalkeeper Orjan Nyland made a save. Late in the match, Endrick also squandered a clear chance just seconds after entering as a substitute for Matheus Cunha.

Erling Haaland (right) heads in Norway's opening goal against the challenge of Gabriel Magalhaes during Brazil's 1-2 loss in the World Cup 2026 Round of 16 at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA on 5/7. Photo: AP

Meanwhile, Haaland increased his World Cup 2026 goal tally to seven, matching the achievements of Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi in the race for the Golden Boot.

The defeat brought Brazil's journey to an end in the Round of 16. Neymar scored a consolation goal from the penalty spot in stoppage time but could not save his team. After the final whistle, the 34-year-old striker broke down in tears. This is likely his final World Cup.

For Gabriel, this match extended his challenging series of encounters with Haaland. While playing for Arsenal, the Brazil defender frequently clashed with the Manchester City striker in the Premier League. Their World Cup 2026 reunion also concluded with Haaland's triumph, as he directly bested Gabriel in a decisive aerial challenge before scoring a brace to propel Norway into the quarter-finals, where they will face either England or Mexico.

Hoang An (according to Metro)