Morocco's lead evaporates as Norway stages dramatic comeback in World Cup friendly.

In the final quarter of play, Norway's Martin Odegaard levelled the score against Morocco in a closely contested friendly match on Sunday.

Brahim Diaz's powerful strike from the penalty area gave Morocco an early lead, but Norway staged a remarkable turnaround, threatening to snatch victory from the North African side that had reached the semifinals in Qatar just four years prior.

As the match neared its conclusion, Norway's players refused to yield to the sweltering heat, mounting relentless attacks that nearly yielded a dramatic victory when Kristian Thorstvedt's header missed by mere inches with nine minutes remaining on the clock.

Martin Odegaard equalized with a precise left-footed shot, following Oscar Bobb's clever run into the box and subsequent one-two pass in the 24th minute.

Diaz seized an opportunity, unleashing a powerful strike after receiving a through-ball from the flank. This marked his initial success with Morocco, following a barren spell since the Africa Cup of Nations finals at the turn of the year, where he had led the scoring charts but also infamously missed a penalty in the final.

Abdessamad Ezzalzouli's attempt to double Morocco's advantage nearly materialized in the 30th minute, as he executed a precise volley off Diaz's pass, only to see it sail wide of the mark.

Norway's Orjan Nyland made a crucial save in the 57th minute as Diaz's shot was deflected, allowing Neil El Aynaoui to clear the ball over the crossbar with a header.

Morocco's momentum stalled in the final stretch, forcing them into a desperate defensive stand against all odds.

In the upcoming World Cup, Morocco kicks off their tournament against Brazil in a Group C match held in New York on Saturday. Meanwhile, Norway's inaugural encounter takes place against Iraq in Boston on June 16th.