Substitute Ohi Omoijuanfo ignored Erling Haaland’s absence as Norway beat Republic of Ireland 2-1 late in Dublin.
Omoijuanfo sealed victory for the visitors with his first international goal at the Aviva Stadium after Alan Browne denied Leo Ostigard’s opener.
It was teeth-grinding for Stephen Kenny’s men, who put in a pedestrian first half to ensure the team could win the game after the break.
They travel to Malta on Sunday knowing there are challenges to overcome before they open their Euro 2024 campaign in March with a crunch game against France.
The home side were delighted when Mohamed Elyounoussi slipped before firing inside the penalty area 12 minutes before the break, but they were unable to do so with five minutes left of the half.
Ostigard timed his run to get in front of John Egan and head Martin Odegaard’s corner past Gavin Bazunu to give Norway a deserved lead.
Callum O’Dowda failed to make the most of his chance at the far post, but it was only in the 69th minute that his side forced a comeback.
Ostigard simply headed the ball to Browne on the edge of the box and he sent a shot inside the post despite Orjan Nyland’s effort.
However, there was to be a late twist when, after Nathan Collins failed to deal with an 85th-minute Odegaard free-kick, substitute Omoijuanfo slotted home the winner.
Fernandes scored two goals in Portugal’s World Cup qualifiers
Bruno Fernandes scored twice in the first half and striker Goncalo Ramos and Joao Mario added late goals as Portugal crushed Nigeria 4-0 in a World Cup warm-up in Lisbon on Thursday.
With Cristiano Ronaldo sidelined with a stomach problem, Manchester United team-mate Fernandes led a powerful Portugal side in their final match before traveling to Doha on Friday.
The surprise was the debut of 19-year-old Benfica defender Antonio Silva, who started ahead of Pepe as the veteran works his way back from a long-term injury.
Portugal are in Group H of the World Cup with Ghana, Uruguay and South Korea.
Fati won in Spain in the match against Jordan
Ansu Fati used his opportunity to impress Spain manager Luis Enrique as the Barcelona youngster scored in his side’s 3-1 win over Jordan in a World Cup warm-up game.
The 20-year-old started and needed just 13 minutes to score in a sold-out Amman International Stadium.
With all eyes on Fati after doubting whether he would make the 26-man squad, he looked happy and aimless with a few more tests as the Spanish side had several players under control.
The 2010 world champions extended their lead on 56 minutes when Gavi fired home.
Athletic Bilbao youngster Nico Williams, who replaced Fati late on, made no mistake with his third in the 84th minute for his first goal in Spain.
Jordan grabbed a late consolation through substitute Hamza Al Dardour after a mistake by Cesar Azpilicueta.
Spain play Costa Rica in their World Cup opener on Wednesday and will also face Germany and Japan in Group E.