Jude Bellingham delivered a second straight two-goal performance to propel England into the World Cup semifinals with a 2-1 victory over Norway in Saturday's quarterfinal match. The Real Madrid star, who also scored twice in the round of 16 against Mexico, continued his torrid form by netting the equalizer just before halftime and the winner early in extra time, keeping England's hopes alive for their first World Cup title since 1966.
The match, played in front of a packed stadium, pitted two of the tournament's most potent offenses against each other. England boasted attacking talents like Harry Kane and Bellingham, while Norway relied on the prolific Erling Haaland, who has become a fan favorite in the United States. Despite the firepower on both sides, the opening 20 minutes were cautious, with neither team generating dangerous scoring chances as they felt each other out.
England had an early opportunity in the 28th minute when Kane took a free kick that cleared the Norwegian wall but sailed over the crossbar. Norway broke the deadlock in the 46th minute when 22-year-old Andreas Schjelderup scored a stunning goal, putting the underdogs ahead just before halftime. However, England responded quickly. In stoppage time at the end of the first half, Bellingham leveled the score with his fifth goal in six World Cup matches, showcasing his knack for delivering in crucial moments.
England nearly took the lead moments later when Kane found the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside, sending the teams into the break tied at 1-1. The second half saw both sides exchange scoring opportunities. England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford made a key save, tipping a tough shot over the crossbar for a Norwegian corner. Norway continued to press, earning another corner that led to a goal, but it was disallowed due to a foul on Haaland. The Norwegians had to retake the corner, which England defended. Norway remained dangerous on set pieces, hitting the crossbar on another attempt later in the half.
England created late chances of their own, but neither team could break the deadlock, forcing the match into extra time. In the 93rd minute, Bellingham struck again, giving England their first lead of the match. The Three Lions held on defensively to secure the victory, advancing to the semifinals where they will face the winner of Saturday evening's match between Argentina and Switzerland.
Bellingham's performance has been a defining feature of England's World Cup campaign. The 22-year-old midfielder has scored seven goals in the tournament, emerging as a key figure alongside Kane. His ability to rise to the occasion has drawn comparisons to some of England's greatest players, and his contributions have been vital in navigating a challenging knockout stage. Norway, despite the loss, exceeded expectations as a dark horse, with Haaland leading their charge. The team's run included impressive group-stage performances and a round-of-16 victory, but they ultimately fell short against a determined English side.
England's victory sets up a highly anticipated semifinal clash. If Argentina advances, the match would feature a showdown between Bellingham and Lionel Messi, adding another layer of intrigue to the tournament. England's quest for their first World Cup title in nearly six decades continues, with the team showing resilience and depth under pressure. The semifinal will be a test of their ability to maintain momentum against a formidable opponent, whether it be Argentina's star-studded lineup or Switzerland's balanced and disciplined squad.
