Nyland’s Long Goal-Kick
In the final moments of the first half during the World Cup quarter-final, Norway’s goalkeeper Ørjan Håskjold Nyland executed a long goal-kick. As the ball traveled, it landed just inside England’s half, near the sideline, allowing Elliot Anderson to seize control and push forward.
Interference with the Ball’s Trajectory
The ball’s unexpected drop towards Anderson raised suspicions that it might have encountered an obstruction mid-flight.
Bellingham Scores to Equalize
After receiving a pass from Anthony Gordon, Anderson directed a precise ball to Jude Bellingham. The young talent skillfully maneuvered into Norway’s penalty area, unleashing a shot that slipped past Nyland, leveling the score for England just before halftime.
Nyland’s Outrage
Following England’s goal, Norwegian players and fans expressed their displeasure, particularly Nyland, who confronted the referee Clément Turpin. He insisted that the ball had struck an overhead cable supporting a robotic camera before falling into Anderson’s path.
Coaching Staff’s Reaction
Norway’s coaching team echoed Nyland’s frustration, asserting that the ball indeed hit the overhead cable. “Many on the bench reacted immediately,” stated Norway’s manager, Ståle Solbakken. “I was not one of them, but many saw it. The ball fell down straight in front of the bench, so it did.”
Midfielder Sander Berge shared his thoughts, saying, “It’s ridiculous, this one with the wire. There are small margins and we know which way it went.”
Fifa’s Response to the Incident
Fifa promptly issued a statement refuting claims of foul play regarding Nyland’s goal-kick. “Before England’s goal … the sensor in the Connected Ball showed no peak in the ‘heartbeat of the ball’ when in the air, and therefore no evidence that the ball touched the overhead wire and changed the movement of the ball,” the statement clarified.
Thomas Tuchel commented on the situation, noting, “There is a chip in the ball who can tell you if a hair touches it, so they should be able to tell you if it [a touch] happened [here].”
Norway’s World Cup Journey Ends
Despite the controversy, the goal stood, and Bellingham added another in extra time, marking the end of Norway’s World Cup aspirations.
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