13 July,2026 08:50 AM IST | Miami | Agencies
The overhead spidercam in use during the quarter-final between Norway and England in Miami on Saturday. Pic/AFP
Norway coach Stale Solbakken said on Saturday he was convinced the ball struck an overhead camera cable before England scored a crucial equaliser in their World Cup quarter-final 2-1 victory.
"That was unlucky for us," Solbakken said. "The ball fell straight down from the sky, so it changed its direction. But we can't do anything about that. I don't think we will play the game again. So, that's how it is," he added.
The flashpoint came in first-half stoppage time when Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland's long clearance appeared to suddenly change trajectory and fell into the path of England player Elliot Anderson, who launched the attack which led to Jude Bellingham's equaliser. Under the laws of the game that should have led to play being halted for a drop ball. Norway's players protested on the field to French referee Clement Turpin - who could have disallowed the goal ordered a drop ball under FIFA rules - but to no avail.
Following the final whistle, Alf-Inge Haaland, father of star Norway striker Erling, voiced his displeasure on social media. "Really? Saved by the referee. Hope you win the WC now. But feel we got robbed today," he wrote on X while replying to a user who praised the English side's performance.
The former Premier League footballer also posted another message that appeared to question the officials' role in the contest. "Well done Bellingham and referee," he wrote.
FIFA, though, said on Saturday that a chip sensor embedded in the ball showed there was no sign of the ball hitting the cable.
"Before England's goal in minute 45+2 against Norway, the sensor in the Connected Ball showed no peak in the âheartbeat 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," the statement said.
This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
