Jude Bellingham delivered another World Cup masterclass, scoring twice to drag England past Norway 2-1 after extra time in Miami — and immediately sparked fury from the father of the man he outshone. Alfie Haaland, father of Erling Haaland, turned on the referee and made obscene gestures toward England fans, then took to social media to write: “Well done Bellingham and referee.”
Bellingham’s brace — the first just before half-time after Norway had taken an early lead, the second in extra time — made him the first player to score two or more goals in consecutive knockout games at a single World Cup since Diego Maradona in 1986. At 23, he is also the second youngest to achieve the feat, behind only Pelé, who was 17 when Brazil won the 1958 tournament. “Despite the England star again coming to his nation’s aid… Bellingham has a long way to go to be bracketed with those iconic figures,” BBC Sport noted, but the comparison is now inescapable as he wears the famous number 10 in white.
“Jude Bellingham scores twice to send England past Norway, sparking fury from Erling Haaland's father over refereeing decisions.”
Norway argued a cable struck the ball before Bellingham’s equaliser, and saw a goal disallowed by VAR after Erling Haaland shoved Elliot Anderson. A potential England penalty was also overturned by VAR, decisions that left Alfie Haaland apoplectic. The former Leeds and Manchester City full-back, watching from the stands, performed a diving gesture and stuck two fingers up at English supporters, apparently mouthing “f*** off”. After the game he wrote: “Saved bye [sic] the referee. Hope you win the WC now. But feel we got robbed today.”
Thomas Tuchel’s tactical tweak paid off as Bellingham shouldered the weight of a nation, carrying England to a semi-final in Atlanta against Lionel Messi’s Argentina — a team England have never faced in the knockout stages before. “Formidable barriers,” BBC Sport said, “but sometimes world-class players find the force of will to shape a World Cup as they wish.” Bellingham, after conquering Mexico City and Miami, will now face the greatest barrier of all.