My overwhelming emotion at the end of England’s match was phew!
That was a tough match to watch and could have gone either way. Both sides had goals disallowed – both correctly in my opinion, both had other chances. Did the ball hit the spidercam wires before England’s equaliser? I have no idea. Footage is inconclusive and FIFA’s “snicko” technology suggested not. It shouldn’t detract from the quality of the goal, Jude Bellingham once again coming to England’s rescue when they needed him. It was no real surprise that it was him again who reacted fastest to Norway goalkeeper Nyland spilling Morgan Rogers’ shot to stroke home the winner at the start of the extra-time period. It seemed a very long remaining 27+ minutes but England held out to book their place in the World Cup semi-finals for only the 4th time. It was not a flowing performance but the conditions were never likely to allow that. Norway came to spoil initially but slowly grew bolder as the match progressed, taking the lead through a mishit cross. He may claim he meant it but I’m not buying that. He was aiming to put the ball onto the head of Erling Haaland who was running in at the far post. It happened to fly into the top corner. Norway did have the ball in the net after Bellingham had drawn England level but there was a clear push by Haaland on Elliot Anderson. I really do not know how the Norweigians can think any different. The goal was chalked off, the score remaining 1-1 before Bellingham’s telling intervention in the additional period.
In the semi-finals we will face old foes Argentina who also needed extra-time to see of Switzerland 3-1 the final score. I did not watch the match so do not know whether the win was fully deserved or whether the Albiceleste were fortunate for the third round running, One thing I did see later though was the red card for Swiss striker Brett Embolo which surely aided Argentina on their way. The dismissal was for a second yellow card given for simulation. Watching the replay it was really quite embarrassing. The term “simulation” is used. I call it cheating and he was rightly sent off. Too many players throw themselves to the ground to gain free-kicks or get an opposition player booked. A blight on the game that needs removing as much as possible. Embolo should be ashamed.
The other semi-final tie is a titanic encounter between France and Spain.The French saw off Morocco’s challenge with a 2-0 win, goals from Mbappe and Dembele, that after Mbappe had a penalty saved early on. Morocco were tough opponents but France too good.
Spain were also taken to extra-time by Belgium, the score 1-1 at 90 minutes. Spain’s talisman, Mikel Merino, came off the bench and duly scored the winner shortly afterwards as he had done in the previous round. Spain were definitely not at their most fluent but they got the job done to reach what is actually only their second ever World Cup semi-final. The previous time was in 2010 when they went on to become World Champions. Will history repeat itself? They have to get past the French first.
World Cup Prediction Competition 2026
In the World Cup 2026 Prediction Competition, Alan Dadswell has returned to the top of the table 533 points, 8 clear of Adam Wootton is second place. Stuart Corbould and Rebecca Corbould sit joint third on 520 points. Interesting chats in their house no doubt. Louis V is now 5th on 517, Gordon Annetts 6th on 516, Simon Freeland 7th on 514 with Ian Clapinson and Amanda Freeland joint 8th on 506. Plenty close behind waiting for the top 8 to slip up.
Honourable mentions today go to Helen Abbott and Adam Bozdag for both getting England’s win spot on against Norway in the correct place in the draw.
PLEASE INVITE ANYONE YOU KNOW WHO MAY BE INTERESTED IN TAKING PART.
