In a dramatic World Cup quarterfinal match against Norway, England managed to equalize thanks to a goal from Jude Bellingham, but the play leading up to the goal has sparked controversy. The incident occurred after England fell behind 1-0 early in the match, with Bellingham's strike just before halftime helping to keep England's tournament hopes alive.

The Controversial Equalizer

England's equalizer came after Norway goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland delivered a high goal kick. Following two passes, Bellingham found the net with a well-placed shot. However, the buildup to the goal raised questions about a potential missed call. During halftime, Fox's studio team highlighted that the ball had struck a camera cable suspended above the pitch, which, according to FIFA rules, should have resulted in a drop ball.

Norway's Reaction

Norway's manager, Ståle Solbakken, and several players expressed their frustration with the referees after the goal, visibly pointing upwards and discussing the incident. Their concerns were evident as they sought clarification on the missed call regarding the camera cable.

FIFA's Stance

According to Fox Sports' Rebecca Lowe, FIFA rules state that if the ball makes contact with any external object, play should be halted, and a drop ball should be awarded. This interpretation suggests that the referees should have intervened when the ball hit the camera cable. However, given the height of the ball, it is plausible that the officials may have overlooked the incident.

The controversy surrounding the camera cable incident has added an extra layer of drama to England's victory, leaving fans and analysts debating the implications of the referees' decision-making during a critical moment in the match.