Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli was involved as Brazil picked up a comfortable 3-0 win against Haiti at the World Cup.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side were held by Morocco in their first game of the competition, but they made no mistake this time around.
A brace from Matheus Cunha and a goal from Vinicius Jr, all in the first half, sealed the win for Brazil, but Martinelli’s second-half cameo is what everyone is talking about.
The Arsenal number 11 looked really sharp and almost scored a screamer. He also deserved an assist after a beautiful move, but Manchester United-bound Ederson missed his chance.
Brazil supporters’ reaction, however, is mixed.
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Gabriel Martinelli gets both love and hate from Brazil fans for his performance vs Haiti
Gabriel Martinelli was incredibly lively when he came on in the 64th minute of the game between Brazil and Haiti late on Friday night.
The former Ituano man looked a massive threat, but the end result was still that he did not score a goal or pick up an assist.
That has led to some conflicting remarks from fans of his own country.
One tweeted: “Even beating Haiti, which was the bare minimum they should have done, it’s bizarre how weak players Marquinhos and Martinelli are. It makes me sick to watch these dudes play ball.”
Another wrote: “The much-criticised Martinelli was one of the best on the field.”
“Lucky for us that the game was done by half-time today. Depending on Martinelli to deliver the final pass or get past the defender is something that’s almost impossible,” said another.
Another Brazil fan posted: “As far as I’m concerned, Ancelotti should always start Martinelli – he delivers both beauty and talent.”
“Shoutout to Vini, Matheus Cunha, Paqueta, and Danilo in the first half, second half, Martinelli came on super strong,” tweeted another.
“Good old Martinelli – blowing hot and cold again,” wrote another.
READ MORE: How Gabriel Magalhaes performed for Brazil during their 3-0 win against Haiti
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Gabriel Martinelli continues dividing opinion everywhere
On his day, Martinelli is absolutely unstoppable.
The Brazilian is rapid, an incredible dribbler, and he has the ability to score goals and provide assists in the final third.
However, the problem is that Martinelli has not been consistent for a few years now, and that is stopping him from reaching his full potential.
For that reason, fans at Arsenal as well as Brazil are always divided about him, which is why he doesn’t always get the praise he deserves.
Unless Martinelli finds a way to be consistent, this will be a story of his career.
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