Did ball hit spidercam before England's goal? Snicko says no - Norway unsure

The contentious incident in first-half stoppage time

England's football team secured a victory over Norway on Monday evening, but a controversial moment during the match could have influenced the outcome. In first-half stoppage time, with England trailing 1-0 to Andreas Schjelderup's opener, an incident occurred that drew protests from Norwegian players and coaches.

Replays showed Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland's goal kick passing close to the spidercam cable suspended above the playing surface. The ball then fell for Elliot Anderson, who fed Anthony Gordon, before the England winger passed to Jude Bellingham, who calmly scored.

Norway's objections

Several Norway players immediately surrounded referee Clement Turpin, arguing the goal should not stand. Head coach Stale Solbakken spoke to the match official at half-time. Solbakken said: "He [the referee] says that he didn't see it himself and that he didn't get any message that it actually happened. That's a good explanation and since Fifa says there was no touch and there was no signal from the chip of the ball, then he can't do anything about it. The ball fell straight down, right in front of the bench, so it did touch it."

FIFA and technology evidence

FIFA later stated there was "no evidence" the ball had touched the wire. FIFA Media posted: "Before England's goal in minute 45+2 against Norway, the sensor in the connected ball showed no peak in the 'heartbeat of the ball' when in the air, and therefore no evidence that the ball touched the overhead wire."

The Snickometer-style technology, usually used in cricket, had already caused controversy earlier in the tournament during Portugal's win over Croatia.

England coach's comment

England head coach Thomas Tuchel admitted fortune played a role: "I'm not saying we are lucky to win, but we are lucky in decisive moments."