England secured a dramatic 3-1 extra-time victory over Norway in the World Cup quarter-finals, though the match was overshadowed by controversy when officials allowed England's equalizer to stand despite the ball striking a spidercam cable in the buildup.
Norway Takes the Lead
Norway stunned England in the 36th minute when Andreas Schjelderup unleashed a spectacular strike to give his side a 1-0 lead. The goal came amid protests from England players after Harry Kane went down in midfield, but play continued.
Controversial Equalizer
England leveled in first-half stoppage time through Jude Bellingham, but Norway vehemently argued that the goal should not have counted. A Norway goal kick appeared to make contact with the aerial spidercam cable before landing at the feet of England's Elliot Anderson. The ball was then played to Bellingham, who fired a low shot past Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland into the far post. According to the rules, if the ball had been noticed hitting the cable, play would have been stopped and a drop ball would have been used to determine possession. Norway coach Stale Solbakken and former star turned staffer Brede Hangeland protested furiously with the referee, but their appeals were dismissed.
Norway's Disallowed Goal
Norway thought they had regained the lead in the 56th minute when Torbjorn Heggem pounced on a rebound from a corner and beat England keeper Jordan Pickford. However, the goal was disallowed after a video review determined that Erling Haaland had pushed an opponent before the corner was taken.
Extra-Time Drama
Neither side could find a winner in regulation time, but England struck early in extra time. A shot from distance was saved by Nyland, but the ball fell directly to Bellingham, who slammed it home for his sixth goal of the tournament and what proved to be the match-winning lead. England were awarded a penalty later in the first half of extra time when Djed Spence collided with Oscar Bobb, but the decision was overturned on review. Norway's hopes suffered a blow when a tired Haaland was substituted at half-time of extra time.
What's Next
England will face either Argentina or Switzerland in the semi-finals as they aim to reach a World Cup final for the first time since their 1966 triumph on home soil. For Norway, despite the disappointment of defeat, their first World Cup appearance since 1988 will be remembered as a significant achievement, setting the stage for a potential deep run at Euro 2028 if they can qualify for just the second time in their history.
