Alfie Haaland blames referee after Norway's controversial extra-time exit to England

Jude Bellingham scored twice as England edged Norway 2-1 in extra time at the Miami Stadium to reach the World Cup semi-finals, but the victory was immediately overshadowed by a series of VAR controversies that prompted a sharp response from Erling Haaland’s father.

Alfie Haaland, the former Manchester City midfielder, took to X after the final whistle to deliver a pointed two-word verdict: “Well done Bellingham and referee.” The post captured the mood of a Norway camp that felt the match had been shaped as much by officiating decisions as by the players on the pitch.

The first flashpoint came before Bellingham’s 93rd-minute winner. A goal-kick from Norway goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland appeared to strike a cable above the stadium, causing the ball to drop to Elliot Anderson, who helped spark the move England scored from. VAR did not intervene, and FIFA subsequently insisted its “snicko” technology found “no evidence the ball touched the overhead wire” — a claim that did little to quieten Norwegian frustration.

Norway’s grievances deepened in the second half when Torbjørn Heggem bundled home from a corner, only for the goal to be chalked off. VAR ruled that Erling Haaland had pushed Anderson to the ground in the build-up, and referee Clement Turpin overturned the score after reviewing the incident at the monitor. Had the goal stood, Norway would have led in normal time.

England were not entirely spared by the officials. Harry Kane’s appeals for a foul in the build-up to Andreas Schjelderup’s opener were waved away, and a penalty awarded to the Three Lions in extra time was subsequently overturned by VAR.

Norway head coach Ståle Solbakken, speaking after the defeat, declined to dwell on the decisions. “There are many situations today. And, well, maybe we have been looking at many of them in the World Cup, so these things happen. We just want to wish England the best of luck,” he said.

Bellingham had earlier cancelled out Schjelderup’s first-half opener before his rebound finish in the 93rd minute sent England through. They will face either Argentina or Switzerland in the semi-finals.