Alan Shearer Criticises Shaky Gabriel Magalhaes After Brazil-Morocco World Cup Draw
Alan Shearer criticises shaky Gabriel Magalhaes – Former Premier League star Alan Shearer has highlighted concerns about Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes’ performance in Brazil’s 1-1 draw with Morocco in the 2026 World Cup opener. The match, which saw Brazil’s defense tested early on, sparked discussions about the center-back’s composure under pressure. Shearer, speaking during BBC coverage, noted that Magalhaes’ shaky start contributed to Brazil’s defensive vulnerabilities, particularly in the first half. His critique focused on the player’s positioning and decision-making, suggesting these factors hampered Brazil’s control in the crucial opening encounter.
Magalhaes, making his World Cup debut, struggled to contain Morocco’s attacking threats, especially in the first half. A precise pass from Brahim Diaz created a gap in Brazil’s defense, allowing Ismael Saibari to score. Shearer pointed to Magalhaes’ slow reaction time and defensive lapses as key issues. “He didn’t attack the ball when he had the chance, and his slow reactions let Morocco capitalize,” the pundit explained. The defender’s inability to track movement led to a cross that Alisson Beekhuis could not save, underscoring the tactical challenges Brazil faced in their opening match.
“Gabriel looked shaky today, especially in the first half. He didn’t attack the ball when he had the chance, and his slow reactions let Morocco capitalize. The gap between him and Marquinhos was massive in that crucial moment,” Shearer remarked.
Brazil managed to equalize before halftime, thanks to a stunning goal from Vinicius Jr. The Real Madrid star’s strike, described as a “masterclass in precision,” provided a brief reprieve for the team. However, Shearer argued that the draw still reflected Brazil’s lack of dominance. “They never looked in control in the middle of the pitch,” he added, pointing to the midfield’s failure to assert authority over Morocco’s play. The team’s ability to maintain possession and pressure was questioned, despite the goal.
Midfield Challenges and Tactical Adjustments
Lucas Leiva, a former Brazil midfielder, echoed Shearer’s concerns about the team’s midfield imbalance. Speaking to CBS Sports, he noted that Brazil’s inability to control the tempo of the game was a recurring issue. “Morocco played with confidence, and Brazil were hesitant. The first half was a real test, but even in the second half, they didn’t fully control the game,” Leiva stated. The former Liverpool player emphasized the need for better cohesion in the center of the park, suggesting that tactical adjustments could improve Brazil’s performance in future matches.
Casemiro’s limited impact in the match was another point of criticism. Leiva mentioned the player’s withdrawal at halftime due to a lack of influence, highlighting Brazil’s midfield struggles. “They never had a proper right side, which made it harder to exploit Morocco’s defense,” he explained. The analysis aligned with Shearer’s view that Brazil’s defensive and midfield issues needed addressing to ensure a stronger showing against stronger opponents. Both experts agreed that the team’s first-half composure was a major concern, despite the draw.
“I think we lost a lot of duels in the first half. Morocco was able to break quickly, and we struggled to maintain possession. It’s a tough game, but we should have been more confident from the start,” Ancelotti said.
While the draw was a positive result for Brazil, the performance revealed underlying weaknesses. Shearer’s focus on Magalhaes’ shaky debut provided a clear lens for evaluating the team’s defensive readiness. The pundit argued that the center-back’s lack of sharpness could be a red flag for Brazil’s World Cup campaign. “Gabriel’s performance was a missed opportunity for Brazil to showcase their strength,” he said. Ancelotti’s comments about the team’s nervous start further reinforced the need for tactical refinements and improved player confidence as the tournament progresses.
