In football, every match yields a victor and a vanquished, and this result reverberated beyond the pitch into the realm of social media.
Norwegian Airlines was humbled following England’s 2‑1 victory over Norway in Sunday’s FIFA World Cup quarter‑final.
The final whistle not only concluded Norway’s World Cup aspirations but also forced Norwegian to temporarily display British Airways’ logo, owing to a pre‑match wager that failed to materialise.
Prior to the fixture, the low‑cost carrier issued a series of Instagram posts, challenging British Airways to risk its own logo and replace it with Norwegian’s should the Vikings prevail.
The Vikings opened the scoring when Andreas Schjelderup netted in the 35th minute, but Jude Bellingham responded with two goals, overturning the result and sending England into the semi‑finals.
“Although our World Cup campaign has ended, this friendly wager will remain etched in our hearts,” the airline posted, expressing sincere hope that the Three Lions will bring football home.
In response, British Airways took to Instagram to assure that, although the rivalry lasted only 90 minutes, the two airlines will remain friends indefinitely.
Hinting at an aviation bromance, the British carrier said, “Just like Haaland and Bellingham, we sense a blossoming friendship between our two airlines,” extending a tongue‑in‑cheek offer of return flights between London and Norway for Norwegian’s social‑media team – “we’ll be in touch!”
However, it is not all disappointment for Norwegian or its passengers.
“Well played, England. Fancy a trip to Norway?” the airline’s latest post announced, in good spirits, that despite the loss a flash sale is available for “Norwenglish” destinations.
