England Edge Norway to Reach World Cup Semifinals

Norway's dream run at the FIFA World Cup came to an end as England secured a dramatic 2-1 extra-time victory to book their place in the semifinals.

Making their first World Cup appearance in 28 years, Norway had already created history by reaching the quarterfinals for the first time. Erling Haaland's side matched England throughout a fiercely contested encounter but ultimately fell short after 120 minutes.

The match ended 1-1 after regulation time before Jude Bellingham struck the decisive goal in extra time to send the Three Lions through.

England dominated possession in the opening stages, with Jude Bellingham, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Harry Kane creating several chances, but none could find the breakthrough.

Norway gradually settled into the game and began to threaten England's defense. Jordan Pickford produced two excellent saves to deny Haaland before Andreas Schjelderup broke the deadlock in the 34th minute with a stunning left-footed strike into the top corner from the left side of the box.

Norway continued to press for a second goal, with Alexander Sorloth and Martin Odegaard both creating promising opportunities, but they were unable to extend the lead.

England equalized just before halftime when Anthony Gordon's precise square pass found Bellingham inside the penalty area, and the midfielder fired a powerful left-footed shot past the goalkeeper. Harry Kane thought he had given England the lead moments later, but his effort was ruled out for offside.

Norway believed they had regained the advantage in the 55th minute. After Pickford initially saved Patrick Berg's close-range effort from a corner, Leo Heggem converted the rebound. However, following protests from England players, the referee reviewed the incident on VAR and disallowed the goal after determining that Haaland had committed a foul in the build-up.

Neither side could find a winner in normal time, forcing the match into extra time.

England struck just three minutes into the additional period. Morgan Rogers unleashed a powerful curling shot from around 25 yards, but Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland failed to hold the ball, allowing Bellingham to react quickest and calmly slot home his second goal of the match for a 2-1 lead.

England later appealed for a penalty in the 99th minute, but after another VAR review, the referee overturned the decision, ruling that no foul had occurred.

Despite late pressure from Norway, England held firm to seal a place in the World Cup semifinals, with Bellingham's brace proving the difference.