Miami: Jude Bellingham’s brace sent England into the FIFA World Cup semi-finals as Thomas Tuchel’s side beat Norway 2-1 after extra time at Miami Stadium on Sunday.
Norway took a surprise lead in the 36th minute when Andreas Schjelderup’s cross-shot curled in off the inside of the far post, rewarding the Nordics in their first World Cup quarter-final since 1998. England responded before half-time as Bellingham drove forward and finished calmly in stoppage time to level the score.
The second half saw chances for both sides. Torbjorn Heggem thought he had put Norway back ahead shortly before the hour, but VAR disallowed the goal for Erling Haaland’s push on Elliot Anderson. Kristoffer Ajer struck the crossbar for Norway, and Djed Spence nearly profited from a hurried clearance, but the contest remained deadlocked and headed into extra time.
Three minutes into extra time Bellingham completed his brace. Morgan Rogers’ fierce shot was spilled by goalkeeper Orjan Nyland, and Bellingham reacted quickest to slot home the decisive goal, ending Norway’s memorable run.
The win sends England to their fourth World Cup semi-final, where they will face the winner of Argentina and Switzerland in Atlanta. Bellingham and Harry Kane now share the tournament lead for England with six goals each, the first time two England players have scored at least five goals in the same World Cup edition.
(Inputs from IANS)