Erling Haaland’s father blasted the referee after Norway left for the World Cup in England

Alf-Inge Haaland, the father of Norway striker Erling Haaland, criticized the management after England beat Norway 2-1 after extra time on Saturday to reach the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup in Miami.

Norway vs England FIFA World Cup 2026: HIGHLIGHTS

Jude Bellingham scored twice, including an extra-time winner, as England came from behind after Andreas Schjelderup had put Norway ahead in the first half. The result ended Norway’s historic World Cup run at the quarter-final stage.

After the final whistle, football journalist Fabrizio Romano praised Bellingham on social media, prompting a sarcastic response from Alf-Inge Haaland.

“Well done Bellingham and the referee.

The post quickly attracted attention online as Norway’s controversial exit became one of the main talking points after the quarter-finals.

The Norwegian camp was damaged by two major decisions during the competition.

England’s equalizer came in first-half stoppage time after a The goal kick appeared to brush the overhead camera cable before it came into the possession of England. Norway protested and believed play should have been stopped, but FIFA later said technology showed there had been no contact.

“The sensor in the Connected Ball showed no ‘ball beat’ peak while in the air and therefore no evidence that the ball had touched the top wire and changed the ball’s movement,” FIFA said in a statement.

The Norwegians’ frustration grew in the 55th minute when Torbjorn Heggem thought he had restored their lead following a corner. However, after a VAR review, the goal was disallowed after the officials ruled that Erling Haaland had fouled Elliot Anderson before taking the corner.

Bellingham eventually tied the game three minutes into overtime. Morgan Rogers’ long-range effort slipped through goalkeeper Orjan Nyland’s grasp, allowing the England midfielder to react quickest to score from close range.

Schjelderup put Norway ahead in the 36th minute with a powerful left-footed strike after Harry Kane lost the ball in midfield. England responded just before the break through Bellingham, who finished coolly after being picked out by Anthony Gordon.

Erling Haaland was substituted midway through extra time, ending his remarkable streak of scoring in 14 consecutive competitive international appearances.

England progressed to only their fourth World Cup semi-final and their second in the last three editions. Thomas Tuchel’s team will now face the winners of Argentina and Switzerland for a place in the final.

Alf-Inge Haaland enjoyed his own distinguished playing career, representing Nottingham Forest, Leeds United and Manchester City. He also earned 34 caps for Norway and featured at the 1994 FIFA World Cup.

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Issued by:

Saurabh Kumar

Published on:

12 Jul 2026 07:49 IST