Erling Haaland admitted he felt “bitter” and “empty” after Norway’s World Cup journey came to an end with a dramatic quarter-final defeat to England. The Norwegian striker was left furious over a contentious VAR call involving his soon-to-be Manchester City team-mate Elliot Anderson, which saw a crucial second-half goal ruled out.

Haaland condemns ‘weak’ refereeing decision

Haaland did not hold back following Norway’s heartbreaking 2-1 extra-time loss to England at the Miami Stadium. The 25-year-old forward was at the heart of the game’s most debated moment when Torbjorn Lysaker Heggem’s strike, scored ten minutes into the second half, was disallowed after a VAR review. Officials ruled that Haaland had fouled Anderson in the build-up.

Speaking to TV 2 after the match, Haaland expressed disbelief over the decision, insisting the challenge was part of normal play. “It feels a bit empty, to be honest,” he said. “I felt we deserved more. I don’t think it’s a free kick. It’s been disallowed because I push Elliot Anderson to the ground, like I get pushed in every single duel. It’s a bit bitter.”

Frustration mounts over inconsistent VAR standards

The tussle inside the penalty area between Haaland and Anderson proved to be the defining moment in the sweltering Florida heat. Even though Norway’s campaign ended in disappointment, Haaland emerged as one of the tournament’s standout players, netting seven goals to sit second in the scoring charts behind Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi, who each had eight. The Norwegian captain argued that if such physical contact is considered a foul, he should be awarded far more free kicks in both Premier League and international matches, calling the decision too “soft” for a World Cup quarter-final.

“So, if there is a free kick, I almost have to get a free kick in every duel — in every single match,” Haaland continued. “Because I get pushed, I get pulled all the way, and I think it’s weak. Small moments decide things in the World Cup. Against Brazil we managed to turn it in our favour. Today, when the 50/50 decisions go against us, it becomes difficult.”

‘Should be a goal every day of the week’

Haaland was not alone in his frustration over the refereeing in Miami. Fulham midfielder Sander Berge also spoke out about the officiating and the narrow margins that often define international football. Berge criticised the inconsistency of the decisions, suggesting that if the same standard were applied in domestic competitions, there would be an excessive number of penalties.

“This should be a goal every day of the week, but there are small margins,” Berge said. “You never know which way it will go. If it’s this way then at least I’ll get penalties every week in the Premier League.”

Spidercam controversy adds to Norway’s frustration

Tensions further escalated when Norway questioned Jude Bellingham’s equaliser earlier in the match. Several Norwegian players claimed the ball had brushed against a cable from the stadium’s ‘Spidercam’ system before the goal — a detail Berge described as “impossible to ignore.”

“I won’t talk about the wire until later, but it’s ridiculous if that’s the case,” Berge told reporters. “The 2-1 goal speaks for itself.”

As England prepare to face Argentina in the semi-finals, Norway can still take pride in their remarkable run — reaching the quarter-finals in their first World Cup appearance since 1998.