England advances to World Cup semi-final after extra-time win over Norway
Jude Bellingham scored twice as England defeated Norway 2-1 in extra time to reach the semi-final, amid controversy over a possible camera-wire interference and a disallowed Norwegian goal.
England progressed to the World Cup semi-final after a 2-1 extra-time victory over Norway at Hard Rock Stadium. Jude Bellingham opened the scoring in the first half, equalising after Norway had taken the lead through Andreas Schjelderup. The goal followed a disputed ball-kick that Norway claimed struck a sky-camera wire, but FIFA said its ball-chip data showed no contact.
Norway’s second-half effort was hampered when a corner-kick goal by Torbjørn Heggem was ruled out after a VAR review, following a push by Erling Haaland. England later regained the lead when Bellingham capitalised on a rebound after Morgan Rogers’ shot was saved.
Referee Clement Turpin awarded England a penalty after Djed Spence went down in the box, but the decision was overturned on review. Norway substituted Haaland during extra time, and England held on to secure the win.
England will face the winner of the Argentina-Switzerland match in the semi-final in Atlanta, with the final scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium.
"The ball-chip technology did not show any contact with the camera wire," FIFA said.
"It would be hard to justify a dropped ball unless there was clear evidence of interference," refereeing expert Graham Scott explained.
Norwegian coach Ståle Solbakken and goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland expressed dissatisfaction with the decisions, maintaining that the ball had struck the overhead cable.