The Norwegian football saga never seemed to end. But despite dominating play for large parts of the quarter-finals, the World Cup adventure is over.
In the 93rd minute, Jude Bellingham lunged forward and scored the goal that sent England to the semi-finals.
"I feel a little sorry for the guys. This is elite sport at its worst, or best, depending on which side you're on," said national team captain Ståle Solbakken.
Bellingham said after the game:
"We found a way to win the game. We gave it everything we had. I'm so proud of this team," the match hero said after the game.
It was anything but an easy victory for the English.
In the 36th minute, Andreas Schjelderup received the ball on the left side of the penalty area. The Benfica player, who got the chance to start for Norway instead of Antonio Nusa, looked up and measured his options. Was it a shot? Was it a cross?
The outcome was the best possible. The ball sailed over Jordan Pickford, and the England goalkeeper could only watch helplessly as it hit the post and went into the net.
Disallowed goal
Norway had more to offer, but instead it was Jude Bellingham who had the final say before half-time. Just before the break, he took a few quick steps around the Norwegian backline and rolled in 1-1 behind Ørjan Nyland.
In the second half, Norway continued with the same confident play they had shown throughout the championship. And ten minutes into the half, they found the right way again.
After a corner, centre back Torbjørn Heggem suddenly found himself with the ball at his feet, a few inches from the open goal. He shot it into the roof of the net and it was 2-1. But still not.
A push from Erling Haaland in the previous moment caught the attention of the video reviewers, and after the referee reviewed the situation, it was determined that the goal should be disallowed.
Somewhere there, the Norwegian tailwind turned.
Because even though Norway continued to pour forward - the other centre back Kristoffer Ajer headed the ball against the crossbar with fifteen minutes left - it didn't work out this time.
Haaland goalless
The match went into extra time, and Jude Bellingham scored immediately.
Morgan Rogers shot from distance, Ørjan Nyland in the Norwegian goal failed to hold the ball - and on the rebound Bellingham scored his second goal of the match.
Norway found no way back. Not even Erling Braut Haaland.
The Manchester City striker has been one of the biggest exclamation points of the World Cup, but after scoring in 14 consecutive international matches (seven of which were in the World Cup alone), his form came to a halt. In extra time, he was even substituted, probably after running out of energy in the scorching Florida heat.
Norway's tournament is still a success, this was the first time the men's national team reached the quarter-finals.
For England, the hunt for a first World Cup gold medal since 1966 continues.
Argentina awaits in Wednesday's semi-final in Atlanta.
