Norway boss says overhead wire deserves England 'assist'
Norway manager Stale Solbakken claims an overhead TV cable assisted England's equalizer during a quarter-final match in Miami. FIFA officials denied the claim, citing sensor data from the ball that showed no contact with the wire.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the growing reliance on and potential limitations of sensor-based technology in officiating high-stakes international sports.
Norway boss Stale Solbakken believes the overhead wires deserve an assist for England's equaliser as the ball dropped down "straight from heaven" despite FIFA’s ball sensor showing no contact.
Jude Bellingham’s brace secured a 2-1 quarter-final victory that went to extra-time in hot and humid Miami, where Andreas Schjelderup’s cross-shot had given the Scandinavians the lead.
Bellingham cancelled out the opener with a smart finish in first-half stoppage-time, with England breaking quickly after Orjan Nyland’s goal kick was cut out.
The ball appeared to hit one of the overhead TV cables, but FIFA says the chip in the ball did not record anything.
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