Jude Bellingham and Erling Haaland were rivals on the pitch in the World Cup quarter-final, but they showed their friendship extends far beyond football. The duo, who spent two seasons together at Borussia Dortmund between 2020 and 2022, shared a cheeky exchange before kick-off at Miami Stadium.
Playful Tunnel Greeting
Before the match commenced, Bellingham was seen greeting his former teammate in the tunnel. The Real Madrid star wished Haaland luck before delivering a pat on the backside, a hug, and a smile. The heartwarming moment quickly captured the attention of football supporters on social media.
One supporter said: "I love their relationship." Another added: "They have a brilliant friendship – it's great to see!" A third wrote: "Good bit of banter." One more commented: "Good friendship and good sportsmanship... that's what it's all about." Another user added: "Even though he lost, he was happy for his friend at the end."
England's Quarter-Final Victory
England secured their spot in the semi-finals after defeating Norway 2-1 at Miami Stadium, with Jude Bellingham netting twice as the match entered extra time. The Three Lions will now take on Argentina in the semi-finals on Wednesday, with kick-off at 8pm BST.
According to reports, Thomas Tuchel called out England's performance after the Norway win, while Argentina needed extra-time to overcome Cape Verde and mounted a monumental comeback against Egypt.
Upcoming Semi-Final Clash
England will face Argentina in a blockbuster World Cup semi-final clash at 8pm on Wednesday July 15 in Atlanta. The mouthwatering encounter rekindles one of football's greatest rivalries, with their last competitive meeting coming in 2002 when David Beckham scored the winner from the penalty spot. That came four years after Beckham's infamous sending off in Saint Etienne in 1998, when Argentina won on penalties to dump Glenn Hoddle's England out of the tournament.
The winner will face either Spain or France in the final, with the possibility of a repeat of the Qatar showpiece between France and Argentina four years ago.
