Alf-Inge Haaland: 'We were robbed, but I hope England win the World Cup'

Alf-Inge Haaland, the former Leeds midfielder and father of Erling Haaland, did not hold back after Norway's World Cup quarterfinal defeat to England in Miami. His frustration was aimed squarely at the officials, whom he believes cost his country a fair shot. The controversy began when Torbjørn Heggem's goal was disallowed for a foul by Erling Haaland on Elliot Anderson during a corner kick. Norway also cried foul over England's opening goal, claiming the ball had struck overhead television cables before going in. FIFA's in-ball sensors, however, detected no contact. Another flashpoint came when Djed Spence went down in the box looking for a penalty. The referee initially pointed to the spot but reversed his decision after a VAR review. Television cameras caught Alf-Inge Haaland in the stands sarcastically signaling two fingers up — a clear jab at the incident. The elder Haaland took his frustration to social media. Replying to journalist Henry Winter on X, he wrote: "The referee saved you. I hope you go on to win the World Cup. But I feel like we were robbed today." After Jude Bellingham's winning goal, he added: "Well done Bellingham and the referee." Erling Haaland, in contrast, refused to blame the match officials. "Usually the best team — and that is England, in terms of players — gets those decisions. When I play for Man City, it usually goes my way," the striker said. England now face Argentina in Wednesday's semifinal. Despite the bitterness, Alf-Inge Haaland admitted he hopes the Three Lions go all the way.