England are facing Norway in a World Cup quarter-final match. The game is being broadcast on ITV 1. This fixture follows England’s previous round victory against Mexico, which they won despite Jarell Quansah receiving a red card. Norway advanced to this stage after defeating Brazil, with Erling Haaland scoring both goals in that match. Haaland has accumulated seven goals in the tournament so far.
The match saw a period where England struggled to find their rhythm. Early in the game, Norway showed some attacking intent, with Sorloth probing down the right flank, though O’Reilly managed to contain him. A ball worked into the England box by Schjelderup saw Haaland attempt to set up Sorloth, but England’s defence cleared the danger. Anderson then sprayed a diagonal pass to Madueke on the right, but Madueke was flagged offside.
First Half Action
As the first half progressed, England began to press Norway more effectively. Gordon was active on the left wing, delivering a low cross that Bellingham attempted to connect with on the penalty spot, but he missed the ball. Gordon also earned a corner after a run against Ryerson, but Rice’s delivery from the corner was cleared by the first man.
A moment of concern for England arose when Stones gave the ball away under pressure from Norway’s press near his own box. The ball fell to Haaland, who fortunately for England, turned the wrong way, allowing Pickford to collect. Shortly after, Ryerson fouled Gordon, leading to a free-kick that Rice took, but again, his delivery did not beat the first man.
Norway then took the lead. Berg dispossessed Kane near the centre circle, and while England players stopped, expecting a free kick, Norway played on. Schjelderup advanced down the left, cut infield, and delivered a cross that swerved past Pickford, hit the right-hand post, and went in. This goal left England appearing disoriented.
Following Norway’s goal, England appeared to be under pressure. Sorloth had an opportunity, sending a rising shot over the bar from the right corner of the box. England then conceded possession, allowing Odegaard to shoot towards the bottom right, which Pickford managed to collect despite not doing so cleanly initially. Haaland also had a header saved by Pickford after a cross from Ryerson.
England’s Response
Just before half-time, England found an equaliser. Gordon delivered a low cross from the left, which Bellingham controlled on the edge of the box. He moved into the inside-left channel, then swivelled and struck a shot across Nyland and into the right side of the net. This goal brought England back into the game, making the score 1-1.
Moments after Bellingham’s goal, England had the ball in the net again. Bellingham released Kane, who chipped the ball over Nyland. However, the goal was disallowed for offside. Before the half concluded, Kane also had a low drive from 25 yards that required Nyland to make two attempts to control the ball.
The first half concluded with both teams having moments of frustration and opportunities. The game is set to continue with what is anticipated to be an intense second half.
Source: theguardian.com