Norway held by Morocco as Solbakken fumes at Scotland

Sunday: Norway 1–1 Morocco

A friendly that showed both sides of this Norway team. The opening 20 minutes were electric – high pressing, quick transitions, everything clicking. Then Morocco grew into it, and Brahim Díaz put them ahead. Martin Ødegaard pulled you level in the second half, and that's how it finished in New Jersey: 1–1. Two Morocco players, Noussair Mazraoui and Abde Ezzalzouli, went off injured – their manager is concerned (4). For Solbakken, the performance gave him plenty to chew on. The intensity dropped off sharply after that opening spell, and the defensive gaps will worry him with the World Cup around the corner. Fredrik Aursnes and Andreas Schjelderup both featured (2) (4).

Scotland no-show sparks war of words

Solbakken is furious. Scotland pulled out of a scheduled behind-closed-doors training match at the last minute, and the Norway camp isn't holding back. Solbakken called it "unprofessional" – Brede Hangeland went further, labelling Scotland "weak" (1) (2). Steve Clarke's side cited logistical issues, but the timing stings: this was meant to be a key tune-up before the tournament. John McGinn and Billy Gilmour were among the Scotland players caught in the middle of it (3). Solbakken said he was actually happier with his own team's performance against Morocco than he was with the Scotland situation – which tells you how much it grated.

Norway tipped as World Cup dark horses

FourFourTwo has put Norway top of their list of teams who could shock the world this summer (6). The logic is simple: you have Martin Ødegaard pulling the strings, a generation of talent hitting its peak, and a tournament format that rewards teams who can catch fire at the right time. The Morocco friendly showed the ceiling is real – but so is the floor. Solbakken knows the pressing has to last 90 minutes, not 20.

Viking squad photo does the rounds

A bit of fun before the serious business: the squad dressed up in full Viking gear for a team photo, and the behind-the-scenes footage is everywhere (7). It's a nod to the identity this group wants to carry into the tournament – and frankly, it's hard not to enjoy.