Alf-Inge Haaland, father of Erling Haaland and former Manchester City star, has criticized FIFA after Norway's 2-1 defeat to England in the World Cup quarter-final in Miami. The match featured several contentious decisions that left the Norwegian camp furious.
Controversial Equalizer Sparks Anger
Norway took the lead in the 36th minute through a fortunate strike from Andreas Schjelderup. However, England equalized just before half-time via Jude Bellingham. Norway manager Stale Solbakken and others claimed that the build-up to the goal involved a goal kick from Orjan Nyland that struck the camera wires above the pitch. FIFA released a statement denying the claim: "Before England’s goal in minute 45+2 against Norway, the sensor in the Connected Ball showed no peak in the 'heartbeat of the ball' when in the air. Therefore no evidence that the ball touched the overhead wire and changed the movement of the ball."
Disallowed Goal and Penalty Decision
In the second half, Norway thought they had regained the lead when Torbjorn Heggem scored from close range. However, referee Clement Turpin, after reviewing the pitchside monitor, ordered the initial corner to be retaken due to a foul by Erling Haaland on his new Manchester City teammate Elliot Anderson. This decision proved decisive as Bellingham scored early in extra time to put England ahead. Later, when Djed Spence appeared to win a penalty for England, Haaland Snr, watching from the stands, mimicked a diving motion. Turpin again reviewed the footage and overturned his decision, ruling that Spence had initiated contact.
Alf-Inge Haaland's Social Media Outburst
Haaland Snr took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his frustration. Responding to Fabrizio Romano's tweet praising Bellingham's six goals in six World Cup games, he wrote: "Well done Bellingham and referee." He also replied to Henry Winter's tweets, saying: "OMG (Oh my God)," regarding the disallowed goal, and added: "Really? Saved by the referee. Hope you win the World Cup now. But feel we got robbed today."
Erling Haaland Substituted in Extra Time
Ahead of the second period of extra time, Erling Haaland was substituted by Solbakken, who explained: "It was not a tough decision to take him out, because he was finished. Maybe I should have taken him out ten minutes before. Obviously, he has had a tremendous World Cup, he used all his energy and power game after game after game. I think that he also got a dead leg in the second half, so that combined with the fatigue. But he did everything that he could, I think he was a bit unlucky in a couple of situations. But he scored seven goals in five games for us, he had a fantastic World Cup."
England, managed by Thomas Tuchel, advanced to the semi-finals where they will face Argentina on Wednesday. Despite the controversy, the Three Lions secured their spot, leaving Norway to rue what might have been.
