World Cup: ‘England was thrown a lifeline’ – Casillas reacts to Bellingham controversial goal

Legendary Spanish goalkeeper, Iker Casillas has reacted to England’s controversial 2-1 win over Norway in the quarter-final of the FIFA World Cup played on Saturday.

The victory, at the Miami Stadium, ensured the Three Lions’ progress to the World Cup semifinals.

The furor came just before half-time when a Norwegian goal kick seemed to clip an overhead camera cable hanging precariously over the pitch. 

The ball dropped after touching the cable, with Elliot Anderson straight onto it.

The midfielder found Anthony Gordon, who picked out Jude Bellingham to level the score in first-half injury time.

Casillas commented on his X account: “England was thrown a lifeline…”

According to FIFA rules, the interference should have halted play and led to a drop-ball, effectively nullifying Bellingham’s disputed equalizer. 

Nevertheless, FIFA rejected the complaint, stating that the sensor in the ball did not detect any contact while airborne (via ESPN).

Andreas Schjelderup had given the Norwegians the lead in the 36th minute, momentarily silencing the hopeful English fans in the stadium.

Their distress nearly intensified when Torbjorn Heggem’s goal was disallowed due to a foul by Erling Haaland on Anderson during the build-up early in the second half.

Bellingham secured the victory in the third minute of extra time, capitalizing on a mistake by Nyland to score from the rebound of Morgan Rogers’ long-range attempt. Djed Spence was denied a penalty as Tuchel’s squad managed to hold on, reaching only their fourth semi-final.