Erling Haaland’s Father Takes Aim at Referee After England’s World Cup Semifinal Win Over Norway
Erling Haaland's father, Alfie Haaland, criticized the referee after England defeated Norway 2-1 to book their place in the FIFA World Cup semifinals.
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Erling Haaland and his father Alfie Haaland (Image: Instagram/@alfiehaaland)
Erling Haaland’s father and former Norway international Alfie Haaland appeared to question the officiating after England defeated Norway 2-1 in extra time to reach the FIFA World Cup semifinals on Friday, July 11.
Following the quarterfinal, Alfie reacted on social media to a post celebrating Jude Bellingham’s match-winning performance by writing:
Well done Bellingham and referee.
Erling Haaland via X
The five word message quickly gained attention as it came after a match that featured multiple controversial decisions involving the officials and VAR. England booked their place in the last four thanks to Bellingham’s two goals, but Norway felt several key moments went against them.
The biggest flashpoint came early in the second half when Norway thought they had regained the lead through Torbjorn Heggem. However, the goal was ruled out after Erling Haaland was penalized for fouling Elliot Anderson in the buildup, ending the move before the finish counted.
Another incident sparked debate during England’s equalizer. Television replays appeared to show the ball making contact with a camera cable before play continued. Despite the appeals, the goal stood, allowing England to draw level before eventually taking the lead in extra time.
Bellingham scored the winning goal after Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland pushed an effort into his path, allowing the midfielder to finish from close range. The brace secured a 2-1 victory for Thomas Tuchel’s side and ended Norway’s World Cup campaign.
Norway had opened the scoring through Andreas Schjelderup in the first half after his powerful delivery beat Jordan Pickford. England responded just before halftime when Bellingham drove into the penalty area and fired a left-footed strike past Nyland to make it 1 to 1.
The result sent England into another FIFA World Cup semifinal, while Norway exited the competition after a closely contested match that was ultimately decided by a handful of key moments.
Erling Haaland struggled to influence the quarterfinal as Jude Bellingham delivered for England
While Alfie Haaland voiced his frustration after the final whistle, Erling Haaland was unable to make his usual impact against England.
The Norway captain finished the match with one shot on target and completed five of his 13 attempted passes. He was also involved in one of the game’s decisive moments when the referee judged that he had fouled Elliot Anderson in the buildup to Norway’s disallowed second goal.
Bellingham, meanwhile, delivered another standout performance for England. His first goal arrived just before halftime to erase Norway’s early advantage, while his second in extra time completed England’s comeback and secured progression to the semifinals.
The Real Madrid midfielder also reached another World Cup milestone with his performance. According to match records, Bellingham became the youngest player to score braces in consecutive FIFA World Cup knockout matches and the first player to achieve the feat since Diego Maradona.
England will now prepare for a place in the World Cup final, while Norway’s tournament came to an end following a quarterfinal that remained the subject of discussion because of its controversial officiating decisions as well as Bellingham’s decisive performance.
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