Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham and Norway superstar Erling Haaland met in a clash of titans in the World Cup quarterfinals, and whlie Norway struck first and looked poised for another upset of a Madrid superstar after Haaland's brace ruined Vinicius Junior's quietly strong day for Brazil, it was Jude, this time, who got the best of his former Borussia Dortmund teammate, overshadowing the Haaland vs. Harry Kane debate with a second straight World Cup knockout brace of his own.
Bellingham was beyond brilliant, while Haaland struggled and looked visibly injured in the second half before being taken off in a match that went to extra time. Jude won seven combined dribbles and fouls drawn against the opposition, scoring with ruthless clinical efficiency with both his left foot and right foot, showcasing the very best of his world class quality on and off the ball.
But the game was not without controversy. Norway had a goal chalked off because of an Erling Haaland push on future Manchester City teammate Elliot Anderson that really looked like a flop. Among the other controversial calls, another stand out and clear cut mistake was the ball from the goal kick hitting a cable at the top of the stadium, which should have led to a dropped ball. Instead, Jude scored his first on the ensuing possession, with England benefiting from the scramble.
The refs may have given England an assist
Many were not happy with the events that occurred in a World Cup that is being increasingly marred by officiating errors, most of them made by top European officials like the one for this match, noted Champions League referee Clement Turpin aka "Big Trossard".
Among those unhappy was Erling Haaland's father himself, former Manchester CIty striker Alfie Haaland. In attendance for the game, Alfie tweeted afterwards, "Well done Bellingham and referee."
Now, the Haaland family and Jude Bellingham are very close, and while they never got to play together at Real Madrid despite what seemed to have been planned behind the scenes, they were already superstars together at Borussia Dortmund, even winning the DFB Pokal with another man with a Man City connection, Jadon Sancho, as a star on their team.
Real Madrid fans have to nod in agreement with Erling Haaland's father. Jude Bellingham was amazing and the biggest reason why England won with his brace and all around performance, but it really did seem like England benefited from bad refereeing from Turpin.
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