Odegaard Scores as Norway and Morocco End World Cup Friendly in a 0‑0 Draw

Martin Odegaard scored a second‑half equaliser as Norway forced a 1‑1 draw with Morocco in a World Cup warm‑up match on Sunday.

The Arsenal captain finished a powerful strike from Oscar Bobb’s low cross in Harrison, New Jersey, at the 75‑minute mark, cancelling out Brahim Diaz’s early goal for the Atlas Lions.

Morocco made history four years ago by becoming the first African team to reach the World Cup semi‑finals, where they were eventually defeated by France.

The Atlas Lions are aiming for another deep run at the 2026 World Cup, where they will open Group C against Brazil next Saturday and then face Scotland and Haiti in the first round.

In the match against fellow World Cup qualifiers Norway, Morocco suggested they could mount a strong campaign at the 2026 finals.

Diaz opened the scoring after eight minutes, calmly converting a cross after a brilliant run down the left flank by Abde Ezzalzouli.

Norway, who began the game with Manchester City’s Erling Haaland in attack, produced little in the first half, their best chance being a glancing header from Alexander Sorloth that drifted wide.

Morocco continued to create chances, with Ezzalzouli nearly doubling the lead in the 38th minute after volleying just over from Diaz’s pass.

Norway’s best opportunity of the half came at the stroke of halftime when Antonio Nusa’s shot from the left was clawed away by Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.

Diaz almost added a second goal in the 57th minute, but his shot was parried by Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland and a header from Neil Al‑Aynaoui on the rebound flew over.

Norway eventually earned a share of the spoils, with Odegaard lashing home Bobb’s cross 15 minutes from time to make it 1‑1.

Norway will begin their tournament against Group I opponents Iraq on June 16 before facing Senegal and France.

Vanguard News

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