Brazil versus Morocco was a frenetic first half; however, Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes had a moment to forget in the first 45 minutes.
The 28-year-old arrived at the tournament as one of the outstanding defenders in world football and looked set to be a key player for Brazil.
🏆 Which Arsenal star will go the furthest at this summer’s World Cup?
Zubimendi and Spain? Saka and England? Saliba and France?
The Arsenal star was coming off the back of a heartbreaking penalty miss in the Champions League final and feeling he had a point to prove.
However, the defender really had a moment to forget for Selecao, as he was largely at fault for the opening goal of the game scored by Morocco.
Dion Dublin criticises Gabriel and Alisson’s miscommunication
Dion Dublin has slammed the shocking miscommunication between Gabriel Magalhaes and Alisson Becker for Morocco’s opener.
Bayern Munich’s new signing Ismael Saibari was able to waltz through Brazil’s defence and produce an on-target chip over the Liverpool goalkeeper.
But there are big question marks over the defending and the distance between Gabriel and his defensive partner, Marquinhos.
Speaking on BBC Sport, Dublin said: “There’s miscommunication between the centre half and the goalkeeper, ‘Is it yours, is mine?’. Sort it out between you!
“They don’t, and Saibari’s had a bit of hesitation, then he puts his foot on the gas. Honestly, the communication between the defender and the keeper is terrible!
“They just switched off, Marquinhos and Gabriel have been very, very secure so far, but that lack of communication…”
Tell us we’re wrong…Mikel Arteta just cost Arsenal the Champions League by sending Gabriel up to take a penalty
In the Premier League, Gabriel has been undoubtedly one of the best defenders, but for the national team, he still has much to prove.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side is far from the Brazil squads of old, and they will be very heavily reliant on their top elite defenders carrying them this summer.
Mostly, they were very strong in the first 45 minutes against Morocco, but one big mistake cost them the opening goal in New Jersey.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox


