FIFA WC: Bellingham brace fires England into semifinal
Miami, July 12
Jude Bellingham's brilliant brace fired England into the FIFA World Cup semi-finals as Thomas Tuchel's side overcame Norway by 2-1 after extra time here at Miami Stadium on Sunday.
England had to come from behind after Andreas Schjelderup's cross-shot gave Norway, who were playing in their first World Cup quarter-final after last-16 runs in 1938 and 1998 and a group-stage exit at USA 1994, a 36th-minute lead.
Bellingham equalised in first-half added time and followed up with the winner three minutes into extra time, reacting quickest when Morgan Rogers' shot was spilled by Orjan Nyland.
England now look forward to England's fourth appearance at the FIFA World Cup semi-final, with either Argentina or Switzerland lying in wait in Atlanta.
After a tentative start at Miami Stadium, Norway seized the initiative. Erling Haaland's header straight at Jordan Pickford was a warning England didn't heed, as Schjelderup swept a cross-shot in off the inside of the far post to give the Nordics a 36th-minute lead.
England weathered a wave of pressure before levelling in first-half stoppage time through Bellingham's driving run and cool finish. Harry Kane had the ball in the net moments later, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Torbjorn Heggem thought he had restored Norway's lead just before the hour mark, only for VAR to intervene and chalk off the effort for Haaland's push on Elliot Anderson following a corner.
Tuchel's men survived another scare wMiamihen Kristoffer Ajer headed against the crossbar, while Djed Spence almost capitalised on Nyland's hurried clearance as a tense contest went to extra time.
Bellingham delivered the winner, reacting quickest from close range after Nyland spilled substitute Morgan Rogers' fierce strike to bring Norway's memorable World Cup run to an end.
Bellingham and Kane are on six goals apiece at World Cup 2026. It is the first time two England players have scored at least five times at a single edition of the tournament.
— IANS
Reader Comments
As a football fan in India, this match had me on the edge of my seat! Norway played out of their skin and deserved more. But Bellingham's composure at such a young age is incredible. Also, great to see Norway's giant-killing run - they've come a long way since 1938! 👏
Honestly, England were lucky. Norway's disallowed goal was harsh - Haaland's push was minimal. VAR is killing the spontaneity of football, yaar. But credit to Bellingham, he's a generational talent. India should take notes on how smaller nations like Norway build competitive teams with limited resources.
Bellingham scoring in clutch moments - this is what separates the greats from the good. Kane and Bellingham both on 6 goals each, what a partnership! But Norway's crossing and attacking patterns were brilliant. If they had a bit more luck, could have been a different story. Football in Scandinavia is on the rise! 🌍
Great match! As someone who follows the Premier League closely, it's fascinating to see Bellingham's international form. Tuchel deserves credit for the tactical flexibility - extra time subs like Rogers made the difference. Norway's Nyland had a howler for the second goal though. Argentina vs England semi-final would be epic! ⚽
My heart goes out to Norway - they played such a brave game! 🇳🇴 But Bellingham is just too special. It's amazing to see football growing globally - even in India, we had watch parties for this match. The
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