Switzerland concede stoppage-time equaliser to minnows Qatar in World Cup opener
A 95th-minute header from Boualem Khoukhi cancelled out Breel Embolo's early penalty, leaving Switzerland with a 1-1 draw and Qatar with the first World Cup point in its history.
Switzerland's hopes of a dominant World Cup campaign were dented on the opening matchday as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Qatar at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Captain Granit Xhaka had promised the "best World Cup ever" for his side, but a profligate display in front of goal and a late defensive lapse cost them victory against a team playing only its second tournament.
Controversial penalty opens scoring
Switzerland took the lead in the 17th minute when Mahmud Abunada, the Qatar goalkeeper, brought down Remo Freuler inside the penalty area. Breel Embolo converted the spot-kick with composure, but television replays suggested Freuler may have been offside before the foul. The VAR review upheld referee Said Martínez's decision, prompting disbelief from former FIFA referee Thorsten Kinhöfer.
I would have expected an offside. I can only imagine that the camera showed a wrong perspective or the semi-automatic offside line failed.
Former World Cup winner Per Mertesacker, working as a television pundit, also expressed irritation at the lack of an offside flag. Switzerland, however, did not complain and controlled the remainder of the half.
Wasted chances
Despite dominating possession and creating several clear openings, Switzerland failed to extend their lead. Dan Ndoye was a constant threat on the wing but could not find the net, while Qatar goalkeeper Abunada produced a string of impressive saves. Shortly before half-time, Gregor Kobel had to be alert to deny Edmilson Junior from close range, a warning that Qatar carried a threat on the counter.
After the break, the tempo dropped noticeably. The Swiss enjoyed long spells of sterile possession and struggled to break down a Qatari defence that grew increasingly organised. In the second half, the match had the feel of a pre-season friendly at times, with even the crowd noise fading until music played during drinks breaks.
Last-gasp punishment
Just when Switzerland appeared to be coasting to a narrow win, Qatar struck deep into stoppage time. A lofted cross into the box was met by a powerful header from Boualem Khoukhi, who had only been on the pitch for a few minutes as a substitute. The ball flew past Kobel and sparked wild celebrations among the Qatari players and staff.
We are hungrier than ever.
Xhaka's pre-match words now ring hollow. Switzerland must quickly regroup before facing Bosnia-Herzegovina in Los Angeles on Thursday (21:00 CEST). For Qatar, the point is a historic milestone: never before had they taken anything from a World Cup match, having lost all three games as hosts in 2022.
- Kick-off at Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara
- Penalty to Switzerland; Breel Embolo scores (1-0)
- Edmilson Junior forces sharp save from Gregor Kobel
- Boualem Khoukhi heads equaliser (1-1)
What comes next
The Swiss squad returned to their base in San Diego immediately after the match. Coach Murat Yakin will need to address his side's poor conversion rate if they are to top a group that also includes Bosnia-Herzegovina. Qatar, coached by Julen Lopetegui, will take confidence from their disciplined defensive showing and a result that few had predicted.
