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England Beat Norway 2-1 in Extra Time After Controversial VAR Calls

Two pitchside VAR interventions decided the quarter-final and prompted a public outburst from Erling Haaland’s father.

Overview

  • England advanced to the World Cup semi-finals after Jude Bellingham scored twice to secure a 2-1 extra-time win over Norway.
  • A Torbjørn Heggem goal was ruled out following a pitchside review that concluded Erling Haaland made contact with a defender while a penalty initially awarded for contact on substitute Djed Spence was later overturned by VAR.
  • Cameras caught Alf‑Inge Haaland making an offensive gesture in the stands after the penalty reversal and he posted messages on X saying Norway had been 'robbed' by officials.
  • Erling Haaland received public support from his girlfriend, Isabel Haugseng Johansen, and coverage noted his prolific tournament scoring with reports differing on whether he had six or seven goals entering the quarter-final.
  • Norway’s run ended at its best-ever World Cup stage and England will now prepare for a semi-final against a top opponent as scrutiny of VAR and pitchside review procedures grows.