adminNorway’s painful 2-1 extra-time loss to England in the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals has reignited debate, as Erling Haaland’s father, Alfie Haaland, took a sarcastic jab at the match officials on social media.
Shortly after the final whistle, the former Manchester City and Leeds United midfielder posted on X: “Well played Bellingham and referee.”
The brief comment quickly went viral, with many reading it as a dig at the refereeing—not at England midfielder Jude Bellingham, who netted both goals to send Thomas Tuchel’s side into the semis.
Two flashpoints
Alfie’s reaction seemed fueled by two incidents that infuriated Norway’s players and fans. First, Norway had a goal ruled out after the referee penalized Erling Haaland for a foul in the buildup—a call that split opinion, with many Norwegians arguing the contact was minimal.
The second was even more disputed. Just before England launched the move for Bellingham’s equalizer, TV replays suggested the ball may have grazed an overhead camera cable. According to FIFA rules, play should stop immediately for a dropped ball if an outside object is touched. Yet the game continued, allowing England to score.
FIFA’s official social media later stated that review found no contact between the ball and the cable.
Bellingham decisive
Despite the row, Bellingham delivered another match-winning performance, scoring twice as England fought back for a dramatic 2-1 extra-time victory, ending Norway’s memorable run.
England now face either Argentina or Switzerland in the last four. While refereeing calls will dominate post-match talk, Thomas Tuchel’s tactical tweaks—especially the energetic introduction of Djed Spence, whose pace and athleticism helped swing control England’s way—were just as crucial to the comeback.
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