Solbakken: Norway delivered 'heroic' display in World Cup exit to England

Stale Solbakken described his Norway team's display in their 2-1 defeat to England as "heroic" as they saw their dream run at the World Cup come to an end after extra time. 

Norway, playing in their first quarter-final at a major tournament, took the lead at Miami Stadium in the 36th minute through Andreas Schjelderup's brilliant dipping effort. 

However, Thomas Tuchel's side hit back nine minutes later when Jude Bellingham collected Anthony Gordon's pass before drilling a left-footed shot past Orjan Nyland. 

Torbjorn Heggem then saw his goal ruled out for a foul by Erling Haaland on Elliot Anderson in the build-up to the corner, before Kristoffer Ajer's header struck the crossbar. 

And just three minutes into extra time, Bellingham netted the winning goal as he slid home his sixth goal at this year's World Cup after Nyland failed to deal with Morgan Rogers' bouncing attempt from distance. 

Norway have now failed to win any of their seven World Cup games against fellow European opposition (D2 L5), losing all three to occur in the knockout stages, though an emotional Solbakken could not fault his players for their efforts in North America. 

"I feel so sorry for the boys. This is football at the highest level. It gives you the greatest highs and the deepest lows, depending on which side you're on," Solbakken said.

"We were on the happy side against Brazil, but not here. After a difficult opening 20 minutes, we delivered a heroic performance in every respect.

"I can't blame the players or ask for anything more than what they gave."

Solbakken's side had captured the hearts of many World Cup watchers, with Norway performing well in their first appearance at FIFA's flagship tournament since 1998. 

Norway finished second behind France in Group I after victories over Senegal and Iraq, before they got the better of Ivory Coast to book their place in the last 16.

They then beat five-time champions Brazil 2-1 thanks to Haaland's brace, but fell short of a spot in the final four, with Solbakken further expressing his pride in his team's journey.

"We lacked a bit of luck, but that's life. Right now, we need to catch our breath," Solbakken added.

"We've spent six and a half weeks together as one family, and I'm proud that we lived up to expectations and took another step forward at this World Cup.

"As for the Erling Haaland incident, several moments didn't go our way today, but that's football. In the end, we wish England all the best."

There was, however, a moment of controversy surrounding Bellingham's first-half equaliser. Nyland's long punt forward looked to have changed trajectory and appeared to strike an overhead camera cable. 

FIFA swiftly issued a statement after Norway's defeat in Miami to say that a chip sensor embedded in the ball showed no sign of it hitting a cable, but Solbakken was adamant.

"That was unlucky for us," Solbakken conceded. "The ball fell straight down from the sky, so it changed its direction.

"But we can't do anything about that. I don't think we will play the game again. So, that's how it is."

Norway's players protested on the field to French referee Clement Turpin – who could have disallowed the goal and ordered a drop ball under FIFA rules – but to no avail.

"He says that he didn't see it himself, and that he didn't get any message that it actually happened, and that's a good explanation," Solbakken said of the French official.

"And since FIFA says that there was no touch, and that there is no signal from the chip and the ball, then he can't do anything about it. 

"But the ball fell straight down just in front of the bench. So I mean, it did touch it.

"If there's been no sound or nothing from the chip, what can I say against that? But the ball drops down straight from heaven."