Norway held 1–1 by Morocco in final World Cup tune-up

Ødegaard salvages draw after Haaland's rough night

Your final warm-up before the World Cup ended 1–1 against Morocco on Sunday, and the big talking point isn't the result – it's Erling Haaland. The striker copped heavy criticism for what multiple outlets called a "shockingly bad" display (3). He never got going.

Martin Ødegaard pulled Norway level after Brahim Díaz opened the scoring for Morocco, and that goal papered over a performance that faded badly after a bright opening 20 minutes (2) (3). The intensity dropped, the defensive shape wobbled, and Morocco looked the sharper side for long stretches.

Jorgen Strand Larsen also featured up front, but the attack never clicked the way Solbakken would want a week out from the tournament.

Solbakken fumes at Scotland cancellation

Scotland pulled out of a scheduled training-ground friendly at the last minute, and Stale Solbakken didn't hold back – he called Steve Clarke "unprofessional" (1) (4). Norway had planned the closed-doors match as part of their pre-tournament work, and the late cancellation left the coaching staff scrambling.

Solbakken was actually more satisfied with how his team played against Morocco than he was angry about the Scotland mess, but he made his feelings clear. The disruption is the last thing you need with the World Cup days away.

Morocco's Ezzalzouli turns heads

Abde Ezzalzouli impressed against Norway and his performance has reignited transfer talk. Newcastle United are reportedly eyeing him as a potential replacement for Anthony Gordon, with the Real Betis winger's showing on Sunday only strengthening that interest (5). Barcelona retain a buyback clause, so any deal won't be straightforward – but the links are real and growing.

Fan-reaktioner

The mood around the World Cup generally is tense even before kickoff. Norway fans have been drawn into broader conversations about tournament fairness on Reddit, where one post highlighting double standards – from Iraqi players being detained at airports to Japan raising concerns – gained traction this week. It's a reminder that what happens off the pitch at this tournament is already under scrutiny. Read the full discussion here