Martinelli scores maiden Brazil goal in defeat to Colombia

Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli scored his maiden goal for Brazil during their World Cup qualifier defeat to Colombia on Thursday night.

Martinelli was in terrific form for the Gunners before the international break. He won 10 duels and nine take-ons against Sevilla in the Champions League group stage.

There were no surprises that he was recalled to the national set-up. Martinelli made his second start for his country last night and scored after just four minutes into the game.

However, his debut goal for the Selecao was not sufficient to deliver the win. Luis Diaz made the difference for Colombia in the World Cup qualifier with two late goals.

Despite the result, Martinelli should be hugely proud after netting his first-ever senior goal for Brazil.

Aside from his strike, Martinelli completed 32 out of his 35 passes with an accuracy of 92 per cent. He won six ground and aerial duels and drew five fouls from the opposition.

He was undoubtedly one of the stand-out performers and should be backed to keep his spot when Brazil welcome fierce rivals Argentina to the Maracana Stadium next week.

Arsenal teammate Gabriel Magalhaes also played 82 minutes against Colombia, but he had an outing to forget as he was substituted shortly after Diaz’s brace for the hosts.

Both players are likely to start versus the reigning world champions next week. Arsenal will be hoping that the duo will return to the club later in the week in the perfect condition.

The Gunners have a favourable schedule on paper after the break with games against Brentford, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Luton Town in the Premier League.

They have an opportunity to climb to the top of the standings with a win over the Bees if Manchester City draw or suffer a defeat at the hands of Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium.

Stats from Sofascore.com