Rio Ferdinand, the retired England defender, singled out Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhaes for failing to stop Japan’s goal during Brazil’s round of 32 match. Ferdinand argued that the center-back should have challenged the opposing attacker much earlier. The goal occurred in the 29th minute in Houston when Kaishu Sano intercepted a loose pass from Danilo before firing a low shot past Alisson Becker.
Although Ferdinand focused his criticism on Gabriel, observers noted that Casemiro was actually in closer proximity to Sano. The midfielder appeared slow to react, failing to pressure the Japanese player until after the ball had already hit the net. Ferdinand aired his grievance on X, stating that Gabriel needed to engage sooner. Brazil eventually turned the match around, with Casemiro equalizing via a header from a Gabriel Magalhaes cross, followed by a dramatic late winner from Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli.
