Erling Haaland defends shut pal Jude Bellingham after World Cup criticism
Manchester City superstar Elring Haaland has lept to the defence of Jude Bellingham, even after his close pal dumped him out of the World Cup
(Image: Eddie Keogh – The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
Erling Haaland has hailed close pal Jude Bellingham after his Norway side were dumped out of the World Cup on Saturday evening during a scorching hot clash in Miami.
Haaland, who has been the breakout star of the tournament across the Atlantic, was upstaged by his former Borussia Dortmund team-mate Bellingham. The England superstar netted twice as the Three Lions came from behind at the Miami Dolphins Stadium.
However, the pair still shared a warm embrace after the full-time whistle. And speaking to the media, Haaland added that the response was perfect from Bellingham, who had been criticised ahead of the tournament.
He said: “Jude is a good friend. We had two good years together in Dortmund, we keep in touch and he’s such a good guy. We had so much fun together.
“I’m not surprised that he scored two goals and performs the way he does.
“The only thing is that sometimes he gets a bit too much criticism because he doesn’t score enough goals or whatever.
“He doesn’t deserve that because he’s one of the best in the world and he’s a midfielder who still scores goals and he still managed to dribble past every single player on the field!
“So it’s just praise for Jude. He’s unbelievable.
“England and Real Madrid are lucky because everybody would want a Jude in their team.”
Bellingham, himself, was engaged with a war of words with Tuchel after the full-time whistle. Speaking on ITV Sport, he said: “Character, perseverance, even when things weren’t working. We found the way to win the game again. Whether it’s in 90, 120, we’ll give everything we’ve got. You saw that there. So proud of this team once again.
“It was a victory for everyone. The whole country wins. Everyone is behind us. It’s a huge shift for everyone.”
And when the topic of Tuchel’s displeasure with his side and disappointment with the display was put to England’s No. 10 – who now boasts six goals in the tournament – Bellingham replied: “Yeah, well, whatever. Whatever.
“It’s difficult out there. It’s a tough shift. All the players have put in a very tough shift. My thoughts and appreciation goes to the players who have put in a tough shift once again.”
