England have advanced to the World Cup semi-finals after a 2-1 extra-time victory over Norway, with Jude Bellingham scoring both goals. The match, played in Miami, saw England come from behind to secure their spot in the last four.
Norway initially took the lead through Andreas Schjelderup in their first-ever quarter-final appearance. However, Bellingham equalised for England just before half-time, demonstrating composure and skill.
Key Moments and Disallowed Goals
The game was marked by intense conditions, with temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius and high humidity, which visibly affected both teams. Despite the challenging environment, the match remained competitive.
Norway had a goal disallowed in the second half following a VAR review, which identified a foul by Erling Haaland on Elliott Anderson before a corner was taken. This decision kept the score level and added to the drama of the encounter. Later, another potential goal for Norway was denied when Kristoffer Ajer hit the crossbar.
England also saw a goal from Harry Kane disallowed for offside, as confirmed by VAR. The technology was called upon again in extra time to overturn a penalty awarded to England for a foul on Eberechi Eze, ruling that Djed Spence had initiated contact inside the box.
Thomas Tuchel, England’s manager, acknowledged the team’s struggle, stating that they made the game difficult for themselves. He expressed satisfaction with the result but not with the performance, highlighting technical mistakes and a lack of pace.
Jordan Pickford made crucial saves, including one from Martin Odegaard, while Alexander Sorloth missed an opportunity to extend Norway’s lead by opting to shoot instead of passing to Haaland.
Bellingham’s Decisive Performance
Bellingham’s first goal came from an assist by Anthony Gordon, where he skillfully navigated into the box and finished with his left foot. His second, and the winning goal, occurred in extra time after Norway’s goalkeeper, Orjan Nyland, fumbled a shot from substitute Morgan Rogers, allowing Bellingham to pounce on the rebound.
This marked Bellingham’s sixth goal of the tournament, placing him level with Harry Kane. His performance was crucial in keeping England in contention for major tournament success.
Haaland, who had been on a remarkable scoring streak for Norway, was kept scoreless for the first time in his last 16 competitive matches for his country. He was substituted at half-time of extra time, visibly disheartened.
England’s victory means they will now face either Argentina or Switzerland in Atlanta on Wednesday for a place in the final. This marks their fourth semi-final appearance in their last five major championships, as they aim to replicate their 1966 World Cup triumph.
The team has now won two knockout games after conceding first in this tournament, a feat they had not achieved since the 1966 final before this competition.
Substitutes such as Bukayo Saka and Eze were introduced at half-time, with Saka creating several dangerous opportunities in the second half. Nyland, who was a key player for Norway in their previous win against Brazil, unfortunately made the error that led to England’s winning goal.
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Source: aljazeera.com
