'Cute-cumber': Haaland, Bellingham bond goes viral ahead of Fifa World Cup clash

The FIFA World Cup quarter-finals are set to feature a match between England and Norway, but the spotlight has shifted to the heartwarming friendship between Norway's Erling Haaland and England's Jude Bellingham. The players, who once shared the pitch at Borussia Dortmund, have seen their bond go viral on social media, with fans cherishing their connection.

“

I never imagined I’d experience something like this. I thought I’d achieved quite a lot in my life but this shows me anything is possible. It’s a strange feeling to realise we’ve knocked Brazil out.

Moments between the two have gained significant traction online, including a resurfaced interview from four years ago where they exchanged playful pick-up lines. Bellingham, looking at Haaland, read a line that said, "If you were a vegetable, you'd be a cute-cumber." Borussia Dortmund also shared a compilation of their interactions, reminiscing about their time together.

Both athletes are in formidable form at the World Cup. Erling Haaland has been instrumental in Norway's historic run, scoring two goals to eliminate Brazil and secure their first-ever World Cup quarter-final appearance. He expressed disbelief at the achievement, stating, "I never imagined I’d experience something like this. I thought I’d achieved quite a lot in my life but this shows me anything is possible."

“

It was a chaotic game but credit to Mexico, they were a different class. We never underestimated them for one minute and they were exactly as good as we thought they would be. But this team showed character tonight and I’m proud.

Haaland's second goal against Brazil was even voted the goal of the tournament by FIFA.com users. Meanwhile, 23-year-old Jude Bellingham is already a defining player for England. He delivered a standout performance against Mexico, scoring two goals in just 98 seconds, marking what he called "the best night of [his] England career." Bellingham has also become the youngest player to reach ten FIFA World Cup appearances.

“

If you were a vegetable, you'd be a cute-cumber