England beat Norway, Argentina edge Switzerland to set up Atlanta semi‑final
England edged past Norway 2-1 in extra time thanks to a brace from Jude Bellingham, setting up a semi‑final clash with defending champions Argentina. The quarter‑final, played in Miami’s sweltering heat, saw England fall behind after Andreas Schjelderup’s strike before Bellingham levelled from a goal‑kick that may have struck an overhead camera cable – a goal Norway’s coach insisted was lucky. Bellingham then struck again in extra time to seal the win, leaving England manager Thomas Tuchel pleased with the result but unhappy with the performance.
Meanwhile, Argentina edged Switzerland 3-1 after extra time in Kansas City. Lionel Messi’s corner set up Alexis Mac Allister’s early header, but Switzerland levelled through Dan Ndoye before losing Breel Embolo to a second yellow. Julian Alvarez smashed a top‑corner volley in the 112th minute and Lautaro Martinez added a late counter‑attack goal to seal the win, with coach Lionel Scaloni crediting a bit of luck after the red card.
The two sides will meet in Atlanta on Wednesday, July 15, with the winner facing the Spain‑France victor in the final on July 19 in Texas. For Nigerian fans, this is a chance to watch two heavyweights clash – will England’s resilience or Argentina’s experience prevail? Set your reminder for the Atlanta kickoff and decide whether to back the Three Lions or La Albiceleste for a shot at the final.