Haaland's Father Accuses Referee of Fraud – FIFA Rejects Criticism

The Controversial Scene

In addition, England was awarded a penalty kick, which the video assistant referee (VAR) however reversed after a review. This decision also caused incomprehension on the Norwegian side. Alf-Inge Haaland, who was visibly frustrated in the stands at the Miami stadium and gesticulated angrily at England's lead during extra time, also apparently wrote ironically: "Gut gemacht, Bellingham und der Schiedsrichter".

FIFA responded to the accusations and rejected the Norwegian criticism. The data would prove that the ball had not touched the camera cable, the world federation explained. FIFA thereby sided with the official's decision and the VAR's assessment.

FIFA Rejects Accusations

For Erling Haaland, the tournament ended with the quarterfinal elimination. The Norwegian striker, who had been considered one of the most notable players of the group stage, was unable to prevent the defeat against England. His father spoke after the game on behalf of many disappointed Norwegian fans.

The international press commented on the events very differently. The Norwegian newspaper VG wrote that several questionable refereeing decisions shaped the quarterfinal between Norway and England in Miami. The British newspaper The Sun, on the other hand, celebrated Jude Bellingham, who shot the Three Lions into the semifinal with a brace. The Guardian stressed that England had to fight hard, was lucky at times, but simply never gave up, and ultimately their squad depth made the difference.

Press Voices from Europe

The second quarterfinal also sparked discussion. Argentina defeated Switzerland in Kansas City 3:1 after extra time. Breel Embolo was sent off in that game after referee Joao Pinheiro reversed a yellow card against Leandro Paredes for a dive by the Swiss player. Julián Álvarez, whose nickname is "the Spider," finally broke the deadlock in the 112th minute of extra time and scored the decisive goal for 2:1. Lautaro Martínez also scored in extra time.

Argentina in the Semifinal

Lionel Messi did not score in this match, yet Argentina is in the World Cup semifinal for the second time in a row. On Wednesday, Messi's team will now face England to once again secure a place in the final. The Swiss newspaper NZZ paid tribute to the Swiss performance: Die Schweiz verliert den WM-Viertelfinal gegen Argentinien nach heroischem Kampf in Unterzahl mit 1:3 – mit seinem Platzverweis erweist Breel Embolo dem Team einen Bärendienst.

The World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada has been running since June 11 and lasts a total of 38 days. For the first time, there were twelve group-stage groups with 48 teams. England is hoping for its second World Cup triumph after 1966, while Argentina wants to defend its title from 2022. The German national team already lost to Paraguay in the round of 16 and faces a rebuilding phase.

The reactions on social media show how much modern tournaments are measured by individual scenes and decisions. While FIFA points to its data analysis, many Norwegian fans retain the feeling that victory was snatched from them by external circumstances. The sporting debriefing is therefore likely to truly begin only after the tournament.