Erling Haaland struck a big blow to rival Gabriel Magalhaes as the Arsenal man saw his Brazil side knocked out the World Cup by Norway
15:03, 06 Jul 2026
Erling Haaland and Gabriel Magalhaes rekindled their rivalry as Norway knocked out Brazil
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Erling Haaland and Gabriel Magalhaes rekindled their rivalry as Norway knocked out Brazil(Image: Wu Zhizhao/VCG via Getty Images)
The latest edition of Gabriel Magalhaes taking on Erling Haaland was hosted at the World Cup with the Manchester City striker overcoming his old Arsenal adversary. The Norwegian scored twice as Brazil were knocked out of the tournament in historic fashion in one of the major upsets of the competition so far.
When the two sides were lined up to face one another, the expectation of both Gabriel and Haaland locking horns once again was no doubt the headline act. However, the Arsenal man, whose UEFA Champions League final penalty was struck over the bar to cost the Gunners a historic European trophy, has perhaps still played its part.
Gabriel has not looked the same player as he has with Arsenal. The typically aggressive, no-nonsense heroic centre-half was criticised by ITV Sport pundit Gary Neville for failing to close down Haaland for the first goal.
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“I’m fuming with Gabriel,” Neville said. “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.”
His former Manchester United teammate Roy Keane also chipped in, saying: “Poor defending. He’s not looking over his shoulder. He must be aware of Haaland. But he’s got a run on him. Ball into the right area. Only one winner.”
Neville added: “I don’t know how he didn’t see him. He’s about 14ft 2in. 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.”
No doubt there will be disappointment again from Gabriel, whose last month-plus has been filled with the highs of a Premier League title win, but the European and international lows will sit fresh in his mind. He and his Brazilian teammates head home, where he will enjoy a three-week, minimum, break.
He has been humbled by Haaland, and perhaps this will add some perspective ahead of the new campaign. Something that could be very beneficial in the long run.
Arsenal will no doubt be pleased that both Gabriel and his teammate Gabriel Martinelli are returning, having not perceptively suffered any fitness-related concerns. A break and recharge is a necessity for both as the Gunners chase a second successive title and to put right the wrongs of the cup competitions' failures.
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