England have advanced to the World Cup semi-finals after a 2-1 victory over Norway in Miami. Jude Bellingham scored both goals for England, including the decisive extra-time winner, securing their place in the last four of the tournament. The match saw England come from behind against a determined Norwegian side.
Norway initially took the lead in the 36th minute when Andreas Schjelderup’s shot found the net, deceiving England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. England responded just before halftime, with Bellingham converting a pass from Anthony Gordon to level the score against Norway keeper Orjan Nyland.
The match, played in challenging heat and humidity, remained tied at 1-1 at the end of regulation time. England manager Thomas Tuchel made changes at halftime, bringing on Eberechi Eze and Bukayo Saka for Declan Rice, who had been dealing with illness and injury, and Noni Madueke.
Three minutes into extra time, Bellingham scored his second goal. After a long-range shot from substitute Morgan Rogers was parried by Nyland, Bellingham was quick to pounce on the rebound and put England ahead. This goal ultimately secured England’s progression.
Norway had several opportunities throughout the game. A goal by Torbjorn Heggem was disallowed due to a shove by Erling Haaland on Elliot Anderson. Additionally, David Moller Wolfe hit the crossbar with a header, and Haaland, despite being kept scoreless for the first time in his recent international matches, was a constant threat before being substituted at halftime of extra time.
England will now face either Argentina or Switzerland in the semi-finals. This marks England’s fourth appearance in a World Cup semi-final, following previous appearances in 1966, 1990, and 2018. Coach Tuchel acknowledged the result but expressed dissatisfaction with the team’s performance, citing technical mistakes and a lack of pace.
Norway’s captain, Martin Odegaard, reflected on their tournament exit, stating that despite the bitter feeling, the team should be proud of their performance in their first World Cup appearance in 28 years. Norway’s coach, Stale Solbakken, also expressed sorrow for his players but praised their effort against a strong opponent.
Semi-final opponent determined
In another quarter-final match, Argentina took an early lead against Switzerland. Alexis Mac Allister scored for Argentina from a set piece, putting them ahead 1-0. This goal came from a corner delivered by Messi.
The first half of the Argentina versus Switzerland match saw Argentina with 48 percent possession compared to Switzerland’s 45 percent. Both teams had three shots, with one on target. Switzerland, known for its defensive play, found itself chasing the game for the first time in the tournament.
The match was played in Kansas City, with temperatures around 29 degrees Celsius. Switzerland had some opportunities, including a free kick near the sideline and a quick counter-attack where Embolo had a one-on-one chance against goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, but Martinez made a sliding challenge to prevent a shot. The half-time whistle blew with Argentina leading 1-0.
England’s next match will be against the winner of the Argentina versus Switzerland fixture. The semi-final is scheduled to take place in Atlanta.
Match details and player performances
The match between England and Norway was a tight and tense encounter. Norway’s initial goal by Schjelderup came after 36 minutes. Bellingham’s first goal for England came in first-half stoppage time, equalizing the score.
Tuchel’s tactical changes at halftime, bringing in Eze and Saka, aimed to inject new energy into the England side. Norway continued to press, with Alexander Sorloth and Odegaard having shots on goal that were either over the bar or saved by Pickford.
VAR played a role in the match, ruling out a goal for Norway in the second half due to Haaland’s foul. VAR also intervened after Bellingham’s second goal, disallowing an extra-time penalty awarded to England for a foul on Djed Spence.
Despite being kept scoreless, Haaland’s presence was noted, and Norway’s overall performance was praised by their coach. England’s victory ensures their continued journey in the tournament, with their next challenge being the semi-final against either Argentina or Switzerland.
The atmosphere in Miami Stadium, with a crowd of 64,478, saw England’s white-shirted fans celebrating Bellingham’s decisive goal. England’s focus will now shift to preparing for their semi-final match.
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Source: bbc.com
