Erling Haaland expressed bitterness after Norway's World Cup exit, criticizing a VAR decision that disallowed a potential go-ahead goal in extra time. The Manchester City striker was substituted early in the second half of extra time and watched from the bench as England advanced with a 2-1 victory in Miami.
Haaland's frustration with VAR
Haaland, whose goals had propelled Norway to the quarter-finals, was largely neutralized by his club teammates Marc Guehi, John Stones, and Nico O'Reilly. However, he was central to a contentious moment 10 minutes into the second extra period. Torbjorn Lysaker Heggem thought he had scored, but VAR intervened, ruling that Haaland had pushed Elliot Anderson before a corner kick.
“It feels a bit empty, to be honest,” Haaland told TV 2. “I felt we deserved more. I don’t think it’s a free kick. It’s been disallowed because I push Elliot Anderson to the ground, like I get pushed in every single duel. It’s a bit bitter.”
In a subsequent interview, Haaland added: “So, if there is a free kick, I almost have to get a free kick in every duel – in every single match. Because I get pushed, I get pulled all the way, and I think it’s weak.”
Berge questions spidercam wire incident
Fulham midfielder Sander Berge also voiced discontent, questioning why FIFA did not rule out Jude Bellingham’s equalizer after the ball appeared to hit a wire from which the stadium’s spidercam was suspended. “I won’t talk about the wire until later, but it’s ridiculous if that’s the case,” Berge said. “The 2-1 goal speaks for itself. This should be a goal every day of the week, but there are small margins.”
Norway’s frustration was compounded by the narrow margin of defeat, with Haaland noting that such decisions can decide World Cup matches. The loss ended a remarkable run for Norway, who had previously upset Brazil in the round of 16.
