England's first goal against Norway in their FIFA World Cup quarter-final has brought about debates over its controversial nature. The Three Lions found an equaliser in the closing stages of the first half, when Jude Bellingham fired home from inside the box.

The goal and match officials have come under scrutiny after the ball was observed to have deflected off an overhead camera cable in the build-up to the goal. FIFA have denied that any such thing happened, pointing out that the heartbeat sensor inside the ball did not pick up any contact and so they received no notification.

The decision to not scrutinize the goal has sparked fan reactions questioning the reason behind the decision.

One fan claimed that the VAR must have gone to sleep, pointing out that there were many controversial calls.

Another fan asked what the point of the VAR is if not for situations like this.

A fan labeled the whole scene as an act of corruption, pointing out that the deflection off the cable was clear for everyone to see.

The goalkick from Norway goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland was aimed at striker Alexander Sorloth on the right, but the ball dropped vertically near the midfield, as though something had changed its direction. It took England two passes from this position to set up Bellingham, who finished smartly beyond the goalkeeper.

Nyland went to protest to referee Clement Turpin, but there appeared to have been no check, and the game continued with the scores back level. At half-time, Norway boss Stale Solbakken also appeared to have a word with the referee about the goal, but nothing could be done about it anymore.

Under FIFA's regulations, the goal should not have stood and the game should have been stopped, with the referee calling for a contested drop ball due to the interference of a foreign object. None of these happened and the goal stood, allowing England to go on and win the FIFA World Cup game.

England have become the third side to qualify for the quarter-final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup following a 2-1 win over Norway. The Three Lions needed extra-time as they came from behind to defeat the Nordic nation in the last eight.

Norway took an unlikely lead in the 36th minute as a cross from Andreas Schjelderup flew into the top corner of the goal. They gave up the lead just before halftime as Jude Bellingham fired home from inside the box.

The Nordic nation thought they had restored their advantage at the start of the second period, only for their goal to be ruled out for a foul by Erling Haaland. They would eventually suffer from a heartbreak, as England star Bellingham was on hand to slot home from a rebound in extra-time to secure the win for his side in the FIFA World Cup game.

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