Switzerland wasteful as Qatar snatches late draw in World Cup opener
Breel Embolo’s first-half penalty was cancelled out by Boualem Khoukhi’s 94th-minute header as Qatar earned its first-ever World Cup point in a 1-1 draw with Switzerland in Santa Clara.
Match overview
Switzerland controlled large portions of their Group B opener but were punished for failing to convert a series of good chances, allowing Qatar to claim a 1-1 draw. Breel Embolo gave the Swiss a 17th-minute lead from the penalty spot after goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada brought down Remo Freuler. Qatar, coached by Julen Lopetegui, rarely threatened until the dying moments, when Boualem Khoukhi rose to head home a dramatic equaliser deep into stoppage time. The result leaves all four teams in the group level on one point after Canada and Bosnia also drew 1-1.
Switzerland's dominance and missed chances
Switzerland recorded 14 shots in the first half alone and repeatedly found space behind the Qatar defence. Ndoye was denied twice, first by a block from Abunada and then by a miscued finish from close range. Vargas, Aebischer and Xhaka all went close either side of the interval, but the second goal never arrived. A glaring miss by Vargas with 15 minutes remaining, when he was through on goal, summed up the Swiss inability to kill the contest.
The penalty incident
On 14 minutes, a cross was flicked on by Embolo for the onrushing Freuler. Abunada rushed out and collided with the Swiss midfielder, leaving the referee with little choice but to point to the spot. After a brief VAR check for possible offside, the decision stood. Abunada, shaken after the collision, received treatment but stayed on the pitch. Embolo stepped up and calmly sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to make it 1-0.
Qatar's late fightback
Qatar had an early chance through Edmilson, who failed to capitalise on a defensive lapse from Akanji, but spent most of the match absorbing pressure. Lopetegui’s side began to push higher in the final 15 minutes, forcing Switzerland into deeper positions. The equaliser arrived in the 94th minute when Khoukhi attacked a delivery into the box and planted a header beyond Kobel, sparking celebrations among the Qatari players and staff.
Group B implications
With the second fixture in the group, Canada against Bosnia, also ending 1-1, the standings are perfectly balanced after the first round of matches. Switzerland next face Bosnia on 18 June, while Qatar take on Canada the following day. Both matches will be crucial in determining which teams progress from a tightly packed group.
