New slow-motion footage from Canadian broadcaster TSN appears to show the ball striking the overhead spider camera moments before Jude Bellingham scored England's equaliser in their World Cup quarter-final against Norway. The goal, which came just before half-time, sparked fury among Norwegian players and officials who insist the ball should have been dead.
Controversial Build-Up to Bellingham's Goal
With England trailing 1-0 after Andreas Schjelderup's opener, goalkeeper Orjan Nyland took a goal kick. The ball was intercepted by Elliot Anderson, who passed to Anthony Gordon. Gordon then found Bellingham just outside the box, and the Real Madrid star took several touches before firing past Nyland. Norway immediately protested, claiming the ball had hit the spider camera—a wire-suspended camera providing aerial views—while in the air.
New Footage Emerges
TSN's zoomed-in replay shows the ball's trajectory change after appearing to contact a wire or the camera itself. Though the image is blurry, the ball's sudden drop suggests interference. Norway's Schjelderup, who scored the opening goal, told TV2: "You see that the ball changes direction and lands ten meters earlier. I haven't seen the pictures again, but if it hit, it's a scandal."
FIFA's Response and Sensor Data
FIFA released a statement citing the Connected Ball technology, which includes a heartbeat sensor that measures acceleration. The statement read: "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, and therefore no evidence that the ball touched the overhead wire and changed the movement of the ball."
Norway head coach Stale Solbakken acknowledged the sensor data but remained unconvinced. He said: "Many on the bench reacted immediately I was not one of them. I can't say anything about that because FIFA, if there is no sound in the chip, what can I say against that. The ball drops straight down from heaven. I saw another way just then so I also don't know what happened. I think it's pretty clear that it did and yeah, it was a strange thing."
Impact on the Match
Bellingham later scored a second goal to give England a 2-1 victory, sending them to the semi-finals against Argentina. The other semi-final features Spain vs France. The controversy has dominated post-match discussions, with Norway players and fans feeling robbed of a potential win.
