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British Airways forces Norwegian Air into embarrassing Instagram post after World Cup defeat

England's victory over Norway didn't just secure a place in the World Cup semi-finals - it also triggered a light-hearted bet that left one well-known airline having to make good on its promise

[Norway forward Erling Haaland (9) waves to fans afte rleaving the pitch following the FIFA World Cup Quarter-Final between Norway and England]

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Norway forward Erling Haaland (9) waves to fans afte rleaving the pitch following the FIFA World Cup Quarter-Final between Norway and England(Image: Getty)

A deal is a deal. That's something Norwegian Air is coming to terms with after England beat Norway 2-1 in last night's World Cup quarter-final. The victory, which saw Jude Bellingham score twice to send the Three Lions into the semi-finals, also meant the airline had to make good on a light-hearted bet with British Airways.

Ahead of the match, the two airlines agreed that whoever lost would temporarily swap their Instagram logo for their rival's. True to their word, anyone visiting Norwegian Air's Instagram page today will be greeted by the British Airways logo instead of its own.

An accompanying post reads: "While the tournament is over for us, this friendly bet will forever live in all our hearts. We wish England and @british_airways all the best in the semi-final, and we sincerely hope you'll get to bring football home!"

The playful gesture quickly won praise online, with brands and football fans alike applauding the airline for honouring the bet.

Malaysia Airlines commented: "Respect to @flynorwegian! Most airlines need six months and 14 approvals to change a logo."

Wonderful Indonesia's official account added: "Losing the match but winning at good sportsmanship. Respect, Norwegian."

Meanwhile, aviation account @flightradar24 joked: "Twice as many BA flights to track today! Loving the spirit!"

Others were equally impressed, with one user writing: "@flynorwegian this is great spirit, great vibes and how you run a social media account. You have my full support!"

Another added: "Well played @flynorwegian and @british_airways."

A third said: "Huge respect for seeing it through."

The good sportsmanship didn't stop there either.

Ahead of kick-off, Jude Bellingham was spotted sharing a heartwarming moment with his former Borussia Dortmund teammate Erling Haaland in the tunnel.

The Real Madrid midfielder wished the Norwegian striker luck before giving him a hug, a smile and a cheeky kick on the bum.

The pair spent two seasons together at Dortmund between 2020 and 2022 and have remained close friends despite going their separate ways, with Haaland joining Manchester City and Bellingham moving to Real Madrid.

Fans loved seeing the interaction, with one saying: "I love their relationship."

Another added: "They have a brilliant friendship - it's great to see!"

A third commented: "Good bit of banter."

One more wrote: "Good friendship and good sportsmanship... that's what it's all about."

Another fan added: "Even though he lost, he was happy for his friend at the end."

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