England vs Norway was a blockbuster World Cup tie with no shortage of controversy, and former NFL star Pat McAfee isn’t impressed with one crucial decision.
It was a tight contest from start to finish, with a couple of key moments offering plenty to discuss.
The issue McAfee raised came after Norway had a goal disallowed for a foul in the build-up to a corner set-piece. Erling Haaland was deemed to have fouled Elliott Anderson before the play began — a play that ended with the ball in the back of the England net.
Plenty of viewers felt it was a soft call, and judging by his live reaction, McAfee agrees.
64' – Here's the disallowed goal. A new FIFA rule has saved England at the start of this half.
At any other tournament before 2026, that goal would've stood!
Pat McAfee unimpressed with VAR after England let off the hook
VAR is always going to create debate. It has done since its inception.
In this case, the referee was called to the screen to assess an alleged push on Anderson before the ball came into play.
McAfee clearly didn’t agree with the overturn, posting to X: “VAR is rather wild.”
He kept it brief, but the response was strong. Many in the replies felt the same, as did many pundits covering the game. It was as if the England midfielder was looking for the contact.
England held on for the 90 minutes after that goal was ruled out, and then put the game to bed in extra-time. It’s fair to say that decision was influential on the outcome of the game.
For Norway, it’s a kick in the gut. They were the better team for most of the afternoon, but the margins — as this World Cup has shown — are razor thin.
England won’t mind, though. They go through to the final four, set to face the winner of Argentina vs Switzerland. If they hope to get to a first final in 60 years, it will need to be far more convincing than what we saw at the Miami Stadium.
READ MORE:
The new World Cup rule that led to Norway’s goal being controversially disallowed vs England
What is Declan Rice’s injury as the England star is replaced at half-time of World Cup quarter-final
The hilarious way Jude Bellingham greeted Erling Haaland in the tunnel ahead of England vs Norway
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