Qatar secured a spectacular draw against Switzerland on Saturday in Santa Clara, in their opening match of Group B at the World Cup. Trailing for much of the game after Breel Embolo conceded a penalty in the 17th minute, Qatar equalized in the 94th minute thanks to a decisive header from Boualem Khoukhi. Final score: 1-1. Switzerland had started the match brightly. After several dangerous situations, Mahmoud Abunada fouled Remo Freuler in the box. The penalty, awarded after a lengthy stoppage and a check for a possible offside, was converted by Embolo, who sent the Qatari goalkeeper the wrong way. The Swiss were then deservedly leading 1-0.
Switzerland dominates, Abunada delays the break
After opening the scoring, Switzerland continued to press forward. Dan Ndoye, Ruben Vargas, Granit Xhaka, and then Embolo all had chances to give the Nati a two-goal lead. But Abunada kept Qatar in the game with several important saves, particularly in the first half and then in the final minutes. Qatar struggled, but they were never truly out of contention. Edmilson Junior had a great opportunity early in the match, then another just before halftime, forcing Gregor Kobel into action. At halftime, Switzerland led 1-0, but without having secured the win.
Khoukhi appears at the far post
The punishment came in stoppage time. In the 94th minute, Boualem Khoukhi leaped at the far post and powerfully headed the ball into the Swiss net. The Qatari defender beat Kobel and gave Qatar their first-ever World Cup point. Switzerland, who finished the match with 26 shots, let slip a victory they had held for over 75 minutes. Qatar, dominated for much of the game, leaves with a significant result in their second appearance at a World Cup finals.
Group B is already extremely tight
This draw leaves Group B without a clear leader after the first matchday. Qatar and Switzerland each earned a point, as did Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina, who also drew in the other group match. Everything remains wide open before the second matchday.
