Alf-Inge Haaland expressed that Norway was “robbed” during their World Cup quarterfinal match but wishes for England to claim victory in the tournament after eliminating his home country.
The former Leeds midfielder and father of Manchester City striker Erling Haaland remarked that Thomas Tuchel’s team benefited from the referee’s decisions in their 2-1 win in Miami.
Norway had a goal from Torbjorn Heggem disallowed after Erling Haaland was deemed to have pushed Elliot Anderson during a corner. There was also controversy surrounding England’s first goal, with Norway’s coach Ståle Solbakken suggesting a goal kick had made contact with overhead wires, causing the ball’s trajectory to be affected. However, FIFA’s ball tracking technology indicated there was no contact.
In response to a post by journalist Henry Winter on X, Haaland shared: “Saved by the referee. Hope you win the WC now. But feel we got robbed today.”
He also commended Jude Bellingham for his decisive second goal, stating: “Well done Bellingham and referee.”
Earlier, Haaland was seen on television giving a gesture towards the crowd after alleging that Djed Spence had flopped to earn a penalty, which was later overturned by VAR.
Despite the controversies, Haaland junior did not attribute any fault to the refereeing decisions.
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“In general, the best team, which tends to be England based on player quality, often gets the decisions in their favor,” he commented. “When I’m at Man City, things typically go my way.”
England is set to face Argentina in the semifinals on Wednesday.
Information from PA was included in this report.