​Alf-Inge Haaland claims that Norway were “robbed” in their World Cup quarter-final and expresses hope that England go on to win the tournament after eliminating his homeland. The former Leeds midfielder, who is also the father of Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, argues that Thomas Tuchel’s side were “saved by the referee” in their 2-1 victory in Miami. Norway believed a goal by Torbjørn Heggem, which would have restored their lead to 2-1, should have stood, but it was ruled out after Erling Haaland pushed over Elliot Anderson at a corner. In response to a post on X by journalist Henry Winter, Haaland Sr. wrote: “Saved by the referee. Hope you win the WC now. But feel we got robbed today.” Earlier, he commented on Jude Bellingham’s decisive second goal, writing: “Well done Bellingham and referee.” Haaland’s father had previously been seen on television displaying two fingers to someone in the crowd after suggesting that Djed Spence had dived to win a penalty, a decision that was overturned following VAR intervention. This sequence has intensified debate over officiating and VAR in the tournament, with Haaland Sr. voicing his view that Norway were disadvantaged by the officiating and that the tournament could benefit England’s chances if they continue to succeed. The remarks have drawn attention to the tense atmosphere surrounding the quarter-final clash and the broader discussion about refereeing standards in major international tournaments. As the World Cup progresses, fans and pundits alike are scrutinizing key VAR decisions and their impact on results, while Haaland’s comments add another layer to a narrative about fairness and competitive balance on football’s biggest stage. Meanwhile, England’s supporters will hope that the sentiment translates into a strong finish, with the team aiming to lift the trophy after their knockout victory over Norway. The incident involving the Heggem goal, the push on Anderson, and the subsequent VAR review underscores how pivotal refereeing decisions can be, fueling ongoing debates about consistency, transparency, and the criteria used by officials in high-stakes matches.