Ian Wright has questioned Tite’s decision not to turn to Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli in Brazil’s penalty-shootout defeat by Croatia.
The South American side endured spot-kick heartbreak as Rodrygo and Marquinhos failed to convert following a dramatic 1-1 draw after extra-time. Brazil failed to kick into gear during regular time as the likes of Neymar, Richarlison and Vinicius Jr struggled to impact the game.
Tite attempted to refresh his side in the second half and extra time by introducing Rodrygo, Manchester United forward Antony and Flamengo's Pedro. Those decisions left former Arsenal striker Wright baffled as Gunners star Martinelli watched on from the bench.
Taking to Twitter, he wrote: “Martinelli?????????” The 21-year-old started just one game at the World Cup in Qatar - Brazil's final group game against Cameroon, which ended in a 1-0 defeat for the Selecao. Martinelli only saw 111 minutes of action on the pitch despite what has been an electric season in front of goal for Arsenal.
Ahead of the tournament, he notched five goals and two assists in 14 Premier League appearances. Despite that form - and Wright’s dismay - some fans did not believe Martinelli deserved a place in the Brazil squad.
Should Martinelli have been handed more opportunities at the World Cup? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Former Brazil star Neto took aim at Tite for including the Arsenal youngster in favour of Flamengo sensation Gabriel Barbosa. Speaking after the squad was officially announced. He said: “This is a shame, a joke! I feel ashamed!
“Not because of Dani Alves' story. What is Martinelli's story? 33 career goals. This is a shame, a lack of respect for football. Doing this with football shows that you don't deserve the position you are in.
“Calling up Martinelli and not calling up Gabigol [Barbosa] is a lack of respect. The biggest shame of all the call-ups. Calling up Martinelli shows that you, Tite, shouldn't hold the position you do, because you're not fair to Gabigol.
“The guy [Martinelli], who scores five goals in the season, who walks around the mall here, nobody knows who he is. And not taking Gabigol, the guy who scored the goal of the [Copa] Libertadores title, who scored 29 goals in the season.
“What has Martinelli done in European football? Arsenal are not even in the Champions League. This is a calamity!”
Following Brazil’s elimination at the hands of Croatia, Martinelli will turn his attention to returning to Arsenal. The Gunners are back in action on Boxing Day as they entertain London rivals West Ham at Emirates Stadium.
