Erling Haaland may have seen his World Cup dream shattered, but the Norway skipper did not let the defeat overshadow his admiration for close friend and former teammate Jude Bellingham after he led England to a 2-0 victory and a place in the semifinals.
On Saturday, July 11, the 26-year-old Manchester City striker spoke highly of Bellingham’s performance during his post-match interview.
“Jude is a good friend. We had two good years together in Dortmund. So, we keep in touch and everything, and he’s such a good guy,” Haaland told reporters after the high-intensity quarterfinal match.
He continued, “I’ve said it so many times. We had so much fun together. And I’m not surprised that he scores two goals today and performs the way he does.”
Haaland’s words of appreciation came after he embraced Bellingham and shared a brief conversation with him during the match and again after the final whistle.
Reflecting on their friendship, he noted that the duo have nothing but immense respect for one another.
Elsewhere in the conversation, the football star was quick to shut down the criticism surrounding Bellingham, pointing out that his all-around performances speak louder than his goal tally.
“I think he gets a bit too much criticism because he doesn’t score enough goals or whatever it is. I don’t think he really deserves it because I think he’s one of the best in the world. And he’s a midfielder. He still scores goals. He still manages to dribble past every single player on the field,” Haaland added.
Toward the end of the post-match interview, he continued to praise his friend, saying both England and his club, Real Madrid, are fortunate to have him as an integral player because “everybody would want a Jude in the team.”
Inside Bellingham’s match-winning heroics against Norway
Bellingham delivered a match-winning performance against Norway in the World Cup quarterfinals, scoring the equaliser in the first half before finding the net again in the 93rd minute to send England into the semifinals. The two-goal haul took his tournament total to six goals.
Which team did Haaland and Bellingham play for together?
The two have remained close ever since they were teammates at Borussia Dortmund before moving to Manchester City and Real Madrid, respectively, in 2022.
Upcoming fixtures in the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Up next, Spain will face France on Tuesday, July 14, in the first semifinal, while England will take on Argentina on Wednesday, July 15, in the second semifinal.
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