Norway captain Martin Odegaard scored late to secure a 1-1 draw against Morocco in an international friendly on Sunday, as both nations completed preparations for their upcoming World Cup campaigns.
The Arsenal midfielder struck 15 minutes from time to cancel out an early goal from Morocco’s Brahim Diaz, ensuring Norway avoided defeat in a contest that saw them finish the stronger of the two sides.
Morocco had taken the lead inside seven minutes after Diaz produced an emphatic finish from the edge of the penalty area. The attacker was afforded space following a pass from the flank and made no mistake as he fired home to put the North Africans ahead.
The goal marked Diaz’s first for Morocco since the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year. During that tournament he ended as the competition’s leading scorer, although he also missed a penalty in the final.
After making a bright start, Morocco looked capable of extending their advantage. Abdessamad Ezzalzouli came close midway through the first half when he met a cross from Diaz with a full volley, but his effort failed to find the target.
Despite falling behind early and playing in hot conditions, Norway gradually grew into the match. As the game progressed, they began to apply increasing pressure and eventually found the breakthrough their efforts deserved.
The equalising goal arrived with 15 minutes remaining. Oscar Bobb drove into the penalty area with a skilful run before providing a short pass for Odegaard, who finished confidently with his left foot to level the scores.
Norway continued to push forward after restoring parity and almost completed the turnaround. With nine minutes remaining, Kristian Thorstvedt came within inches of scoring the winner when he connected with a Julian Ryerson free-kick, only to see his header drift narrowly wide of the post.
Morocco still posed a threat and created opportunities of their own during the second half. Shortly before the hour mark, Diaz tested Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland, whose save prevented the forward from adding a second goal. The rebound fell to Neil El Aynaoui, but his header sailed over the crossbar.
As Norway intensified their attacks late in the contest, Morocco were forced onto the defensive. The African side had to show resilience in the closing stages to prevent their opponents from claiming victory.
The draw concludes preparations for both teams before the start of the World Cup.
Morocco, who reached the semi-finals at the last World Cup in Qatar four years ago, begin their Group C campaign against Brazil in New York on Saturday.
Norway, meanwhile, will open their Group I schedule against Iraq in Boston on 16 June, encouraged by a strong second-half display that demonstrated their ability to recover from an early setback against one of the tournament’s highly regarded sides.
