Former England international, Rio Ferdinand, has criticized Gabriel Magalhães for his role in Japan’s goal during Brazil’s Round of 32 clash at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Ferdinand, himself a former World Cup defender, said the Arsenal centre back should have engaged the Japanese attacker earlier to prevent the goal.
In the 29th minute of the match played in Houston, Kaishu Sano opened the scoring for Japan after intercepting a poor pass from Brazilian defender Danilo in midfield.
Sano drove forward into the attacking third before firing a low right footed strike past goalkeeper Alisson Becker.
Brazil responded in the second half as Casemiro equalized with a well placed header from a cross delivered by Gabriel Magalhães.
Although Ferdinand specifically blamed Gabriel for the goal, Casemiro appeared to be the closest Brazilian player to Sano as the Japanese midfielder advanced toward goal.
The former Real Madrid and Manchester United midfielder looked slow in his recovery run and only caught up after Sano had already scored from distance.
“Japan takes the lead…Gabriel should’ve engaged earlier!” Ferdinand expressed on X.
Brazil eventually secured victory with a dramatic late winner from another Arsenal star, Gabriel Martinelli.
