In first-half stoppage time at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, Jude Bellingham broke into the penalty area and fired a left-footed shot to equalize 1-1 for England. The goal, scored just before halftime, enraged Solbakken. The 58-year-old coach grabbed the water bottle he was drinking from and hurled it towards the bench. The bottle struck an assistant's leg, but the individual showed little reaction. Members of the Norway coaching staff also displayed clear frustration after their team squandered the lead.

The moment coach Solbakken threw a water bottle at an assistant during the World Cup quarter-final against England at Miami, Florida, US, on 11/7. Photo: ESPN

Solbakken's outburst did not stop there; he also engaged in a heated argument with referee Clement Turpin at the end of the first half. According to Norwegian media, Solbakken's dissatisfaction stemmed from a controversial incident leading to England's equalizer.

Goalkeeper Orjan Nyland claimed his preceding goal kick struck the overhead camera wire system, causing the ball to fall prematurely. Solbakken immediately protested, but referee Turpin allowed play to continue, leading to England's attack and Bellingham's goal.

Bellingham equalizes for England

Solbakken, 58, is known as an outspoken, emotional, and confrontational coach. Before the water bottle incident against England, he had caused controversy multiple times with his statements and reactions. In 2024, Solbakken publicly criticized Norwegian media in a press conference, directly challenging a reporter from VG newspaper who repeatedly questioned his use of Martin Odegaard.

At World Cup 2026, Solbakken also became a focal point. He called Scotland coach Steve Clarke "unprofessional" for canceling a friendly match at the last minute. He later publicly criticized FIFA after the decision to allow Folarin Balogun to play despite receiving a red card earlier, arguing that the decision undermined the fairness of the tournament.

Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland (1) is consoled by coach Stale Solbakken after the loss to England in the World Cup quarter-final at Miami, Florida, US, on 11/7. Photo: AP

In the second half in Miami, Norway's frustration grew when Torbjorn Heggem found the net from a corner in the 55th minute. After receiving a signal from VAR, referee Turpin reviewed the monitor and disallowed the goal.

VAR determined that Erling Haaland had fouled Elliott Anderson before the corner was taken. This decision provoked further protests from Norway's players and coaching staff. Norwegian media also suggested the collision between Haaland and Anderson was a normal challenge, making the decision to disallow the goal excessively harsh.

Bellingham seals 2-1 victory

On the field, Norway hit the crossbar once more from a Kristoffer Ajer header in the 76th minute, while England also had late chances but could not score before extra time. The decisive moment came early in the first period of extra time. Following a long-range shot from Morgan Rogers that Orjan Nyland pushed away, Bellingham quickly pounced on the rebound to secure a 2-1 victory for England. The Real Madrid midfielder completed his brace, sending the "Three Lions" into the semifinals.

Despite their quarter-final exit, Norway concluded a memorable World Cup campaign. Solbakken's squad won four matches, surpassing their total number of victories in all previous World Cups and Euros combined. Their exciting style of play and the performances of players like Erling Haaland, Martin Odegaard, and Andreas Schjelderup made Norway a tournament sensation.

Norway scores first goal

Meanwhile, England's 2-1 victory sends them to the semifinals, where they will face either Argentina or Switzerland at 2h Thursday 16/7, Hanoi time.

Hoang An reports