Jude Bellingham scored another superb goal for England in the World Cup 2026. against Norway in the quarter-finals, but controversy surrounded the build-up.
That’s because Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland's goal kick appeared to touch a cable above the Miami Stadium.
The ball was then dropped into the path of Elliot Anderson, who exchanged a pass with Anthony Gordon, with the ball then fizzed into Bellingham, who dribbled into the penalty area and finished strongly.
But Nyland was furious after conceding the equaliser and rushed to referee Clement Turpin to protest.
And Stale Solbakken and his coaching staff remonstrated with Turpin at the interval, too.
Yet VAR did not intervene and the goal stood for Thomas Tuchel’s side to ensure the score was level at 1-1 heading into the break.
Ex-Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg stated on Fox that the incident could have been reviewed: “VAR can interfere if that contact of the ball on the camera cable is part of a reviewable incident.
"An attacking phase of play leading to a goal is part of the var reviewable incident. It should have been picked up by the VAR.”
If a ball hits a Spidercam, then “outside interference” can be given to stop the game and restart the game with a drop ball.
Fifa then released a statement to clarify VAR’s position on the incident: “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 informing match officials that England's goal was a result of the ball hitting the camera cable pic.twitter.com/ILkgjpPGKO
Bellingham was hailed by Gary Neville as “an absolute star,” while Ian Wright heaped praise on his control and touch.
“It's the touch, the defender is worried about the touch, but that touch there, it's keeping the ball away to get the shot off,” Wright said on ITV Sport’s coverage.
While Neville added: “Jude you are an absolute star, this pass from Gordon, you're in business.”
Roy Keane was also impressed with Bellingham, who moves up the rankings in the race for the Golden Boot.
“He's in control of everything,” Keane added. “His right foot, finish with his left, I can be critical of Norway's defenders but it's a fantastic finish.”
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