Qatar earn first World Cup point with Khoukhi's 95th-minute header against Switzerland
A stoppage-time header from Boualem Khoukhi gave Qatar a 1-1 draw with Switzerland in Group B on Saturday, securing the nation's first-ever point at a men's FIFA World Cup finals.
Swiss control early on
Switzerland, ranked 19th by FIFA, dominated possession at the Bay Arena in San Francisco (one report placed the match at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles). After Edmilson Junior missed an early chance for Qatar in the second minute, the Swiss took charge. Dan Ndoye forced a save from goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada, and the pressure soon told.
Embolo converts from the spot
In the 17th minute, referee Said Martinez awarded a penalty after Abunada fouled Remo Freuler. Breel Embolo, the AS Monaco forward, converted calmly to open the scoring. Switzerland held 75 per cent of possession in the first half and outshot Qatar 20 to 4 by the 73rd minute. Granit Xhaka directed play from midfield while Manuel Akanji and Nico Elvedi built from the back with over 90 per cent passing accuracy.
Qatari goalkeeper keeps hopes alive
Abunada atoned for the penalty-area foul with several key saves, denying Ndoye and Ruben Vargas late in the first half. Switzerland continued to create chances after the break: Xhaka fired narrowly wide in the 67th minute, and Vargas missed an opportunity to double the lead in the 75th. A Manzambi attempt in the 81st minute also went off target.
Last-gasp equalizer
In the fifth minute of added time (the 94th or 95th minute, depending on the source), left-back Homam Al Amin crossed from the left and captain Boualem Khoukhi headed past Gregor Kobel. The 1-1 draw gave Qatar its first point at a World Cup finals after losing all three group matches as host in 2022. Qatar are coached by Julen Lopetegui; Switzerland are led by Murat Yakin.
Group B wide open
The earlier fixture between Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina also finished 1-1, leaving all four teams on one point with a goal difference of zero. Qatar next face Canada on 17 June, while Switzerland meet Bosnia and Herzegovina later the same day.
