Qatar earned a dramatic late equaliser to hold Switzerland to a 1-1 draw in their opening World Cup Group stage match on Saturday in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Switzerland had taken the lead in the first half through a Breel Embolo penalty after Qatar goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada brought down Remo Freuler inside the box. Embolo calmly converted from the spot, sending the keeper the wrong way to put the Europeans ahead.
Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, Switzerland failed to extend their advantage, registering over two dozen attempts without finding a second goal.
Qatar, who were playing only their second World Cup finals after hosting the 2022 edition, struggled to find rhythm for much of the match, appearing short of match sharpness following a disrupted preparation schedule. However, they stayed in the contest and continued to push forward in search of an equaliser.
Their persistence paid off deep into stoppage time when Boualem Khoukhi rose highest at the back post to power home a header in the 94th minute, sparking jubilant celebrations from the Qatar bench.
The result marked Qatar’s first-ever World Cup point, while Switzerland were left frustrated after failing to convert their dominance into victory.
Switzerland had earlier come close to doubling their lead through Embolo and Granit Xhaka, but were repeatedly denied as Qatar defended resiliently and held on long enough to strike late.
The match also marked a World Cup debut for Qatar’s coach Julen Lopetegui, who had been expected to lead Spain at the 2018 tournament before being dismissed on the eve of the competition.
Both teams will now turn their attention to their next fixtures, with Switzerland set to face Bosnia in Los Angeles, while Qatar take on co-hosts Canada in Vancouver.
