MIAMI GARDENS, Florida — Jude Bellingham delivered one of the FIFA World Cup’s most memorable performances, scoring twice—including a dramatic extra-time winner—to power England to a 2-1 comeback victory over Norway on Saturday night (Sunday in the Philippines) and send the Three Lions into the semifinals for the first time since 2018.
The Real Madrid star rescued England just before halftime with the equalizer before striking the decisive goal in the third minute of extra time, completing a thrilling comeback and keeping the Three Lions’ title hopes alive.
Bellingham’s two-goal explosion raised his tournament total to six, tying Harry Kane as England’s leading scorer. Only France captain Kylian Mbappé and Argentina superstar Lionel Messi have found the net more often, with eight goals each.
Norway threatened an upset after Andreas Schjelderup broke the deadlock in the 36th minute, his shot ricocheting off the right post before crossing the line.
England answered moments before halftime as Bellingham finished from close range to restore parity.
Norway appeared to reclaim the lead in the 56th minute when Torbjørn Heggem scored off a rebound from a corner, but the goal was disallowed after a video review ruled that Erling Haaland had committed a foul inside the penalty area during the buildup.
With the match headed toward penalties, Bellingham produced the defining moment of the contest, firing a low shot past goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland early in extra time to seal England’s place in the Final Four.
England will next face defending champions Argentina, who also survived a stern challenge before defeating Switzerland, 3-1, after extra time.
Alexis Mac Allister gave Argentina an early advantage with a 10th-minute strike, but Dan Ndoye leveled for Switzerland in the second half.
Julián Álvarez restored Argentina’s lead in the 112th minute before Lautaro Martínez added another in stoppage time of extra time to book the South Americans’ semifinal berth.
Spain also advanced to the semifinals after edging Belgium, 2-1.
Fabián Ruiz opened the scoring for Spain before Charles De Ketelaere equalized for Belgium. Mikel Merino then struck the match-winning goal late to send the Spaniards into the Final Four./PN
