Bellingham Brace Sends England Past Norway into World Cup Semis

Jude Bellingham fired England into the World Cup semi-finals, scoring twice, including the decisive goal in extra time, to defeat Norway 2-1 in a thrilling quarter-final clash. Real Madrid's star midfielder proved the difference-maker, ending Norway's impressive World Cup fairytale.

Norway had matched England for large parts of the game, even taking the lead in the 36th minute through Andreas Schjelderup's impressive strike that found the net off the post. However, Bellingham responded just before halftime, leveling the score with a composed finish. Norway thought they had regained the lead in the second half when Torbjørn Heggem scored from a corner, but the goal was disallowed after a video review showed Erling Haaland had committed a foul in the build-up.

The match went into extra time, and Bellingham struck again in the third minute, capitalizing on a rebound after goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland parried a shot from Morgan Rogers. Despite continued efforts, including a header hitting the crossbar by Kristoffer Ajer, Norway could not find an equalizer. Erling Braut Haaland, who had scored in 14 consecutive international matches prior to this game, was unable to find the net and was substituted late in extra time, likely due to fatigue in the Florida heat.

This quarter-final exit marks the end of Norway's best-ever World Cup performance. For England, the victory keeps their hopes alive for a World Cup title, with a semi-final clash against Argentina or Switzerland awaiting them.