Martin Odegaard put in an impressive display with Norway on Friday, but his teammates wasted a good opportunity to secure three points.
Not for the first time in recent matches, Martin Odegaard was Norway’s creator-in-chief as they took on Turkey this week. The Arsenal man captained his country for their World Cup qualifier, and he created four chances including one big late chance.
Odegaard played a small role in Norway’s first-half equaliser, with a short corner routine that eventually led to Kristian Thorstvedt making it 1-1. But he should really have been involved in a winning goal in the 96th minute.
With the scores still tied at 1-1, Odegaard drifted in from the left and floated a cross into the area. It fell perfectly for Mohamed Elyounoussi, just a few yards out, but he headed wide of the target.
Norway had to settle for a draw, with a Netherlands win over Latvia taking them two points clear of Odegaard’s side at the top of the group.
The Arsenal and Norway fans watching the game didn’t hide their disappointment at the 22-year-old’s last-minute assist opportunity going begging:
Naah man Odegaard robbed off an incredible ozil esque assist in the last second 😭
— AH (@afc_ah2) October 8, 2021
Odegaard almost had a last minute assist.. great game
— A Fan With a Gun (@afanwithagun) October 8, 2021
Elyounoussi literally robbing Odegaard of a great last minute winning assist… this guy man https://t.co/kkuAYj80X5
— James ©️ #KroenkeOut (@afctjj) October 8, 2021
Robbed Odegaard of an amazing assist in the last minute of the game ffs
— Naif 🇵🇸 (@NA1F_A55AF) October 8, 2021
what a pass by Odegaard in the dying seconds. Norway should’ve won it. What a miss. Frustrating.
— BloØdegaard³⁴ (@madrid_deity) October 8, 2021
Norway will now hope to pick up the full three points when they face Montenegro on Monday.