Football
ESPN staff 7y

Gabriel Jesus' mother vows to 'pull his ear' for missing chance at second goal

Brazil prodigy Gabriel Jesus will receive admonishment from his mother for missing a chance to score in the Selecao's 2-0 defeat of Venezuela in World Cup qualifying on Tuesday.

Gabriel, 19, scored an eighth-minute opener against El Vinotinto in Merida, but missed a gilt-edged chance later in the first half, much to the chagrin of his perfectionist mother, Vera Lucia.

Knowing she would be unhappy with the miss, Gabriel -- who signalled her by making a phone call-gesture after scoring his goal -- tugged on his ear to acknowledge her expected reaction.

Speaking with Globo announcers after the match, she admitted he'd done the right thing.

"So today he deserves love because he scored a goal, right?" the announcer asked Vera Lucia, who answered: "First a kiss for the goal, yes, but then I pull his ear for missing the second."

After a "special" talk from his mother before the match, the newly signed Manchester City man set a CONMEBOL record in becoming the youngest player ever to score four goals in World Cup qualifying. And it was done in the absence of Brazil star Neymar, who was suspended from the match for card accumulation.

When told by Globo announcers her young son would need her help in Manchester next year, she said she wants to be in England with him, but that it could prove difficult.

"I really want to go but I am terrified of flying," she said.

Brazil finished the October round of qualifiers with two wins from two matches. Tite's men now sit atop of the CONMEBOL table after 10 rounds.

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