Alf-Inge Haaland accuses referee of robbing Norway after England's extra-time World Cup win

Alf-Inge Haaland has accused England of being “saved by the referee” after Jude Bellingham’s extra-time strike ended Norway’s World Cup campaign with a 2-1 defeat in Miami, sending Thomas Tuchel’s side into a semi-final against Argentina on Wednesday.

Norway took the lead on 36 minutes through a fortunate Andreas Schjelderup finish, but Bellingham equalised in first-half stoppage time — a goal that immediately sparked controversy. Norway head coach Stale Solbakken and others claimed the build-up involved the ball striking the overhead camera wires above the pitch. FIFA issued a statement denying the contact, citing data from its Connected Ball technology that showed no spike in the ball’s sensor at the relevant moment.

The drama continued in the second half when Torbjorn Heggem bundled in what appeared to be a Norwegian winner, only for referee Clement Turpin to overturn the goal after reviewing pitchside footage. Turpin ruled that Erling Haaland had fouled his new Manchester City teammate Elliot Anderson at the preceding corner, ordering a retake. Turpin also reversed a penalty decision against Djed Spence, ruling the England defender had been the victim of simulation rather than a genuine foul.

With those calls going against Norway, Bellingham struck early in extra time to settle the tie and register his sixth goal of the tournament in six appearances. Haaland, who had scored seven goals in five games before this match, was substituted before the second period of extra time. Solbakken explained the decision plainly: “It was not a tough decision to take him out, because he was finished. Maybe I should have taken him out ten minutes before. He has had a tremendous World Cup — he used all his energy and power game after game. He also got a dead leg in the second half, so that combined with the fatigue.”

Alf-Inge Haaland, the former Manchester City midfielder who was watching from the stands in Miami, was visibly animated throughout the second half. He later took to X to make his feelings public. Responding to journalist Fabrizio Romano’s post praising Bellingham’s six-goal haul, he wrote: “Well done Bellingham and referee.” Reacting to a separate post about the disallowed Norwegian goal, he added: “OMG,” before writing: “Really? Saved by the referee. Hope you win the World Cup now. But feel we got robbed today.”

England now face Argentina in the semi-final, while Norway’s exit ends what had been a remarkable run built largely on Haaland’s prolific form throughout the group stage and knockout rounds.