Qatar earned a historic point at the FIFA World Cup after Boualem Khoukhi scored a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser to seal a 1-1 draw against Switzerland on Saturday.
Breel Embolo gave Switzerland the lead from the penalty spot in the first half. However, Qatar refused to give up and struck late to earn their first-ever point at the tournament.
Switzerland dominate early
Switzerland controlled most of the game and created several chances. The Swiss finished with 26 shots but failed to put the match beyond Qatar’s reach.
Qatar struggled to find their rhythm. The team had limited preparation after the conflict in the Middle East forced the cancellation of two warm-up matches. As a result, this was only their third game since December.
Switzerland almost gifted Qatar an early goal when Manuel Akanji lost possession in the second minute. Edmilson Junior raced through on goal, but Gregor Kobel made a comfortable save.
Embolo puts Swiss ahead
The breakthrough came in the 13th minute. Goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada brought down Remo Freuler inside the penalty area.
After a lengthy review, the referee awarded the spot-kick. Embolo calmly sent Kobel the wrong way to put Switzerland ahead.
The Swiss continued to attack but wasted several opportunities before the break. Qatar nearly equalised just before half-time, but Kobel denied Edmilson once again.
Khoukhi delivers late drama
The pace slowed in the second half as clear chances became harder to find.
Granit Xhaka fired narrowly over the bar, while Embolo struck the side netting. Switzerland looked set to claim all three points.
But Qatar had the final say.
Four minutes into stoppage time, veteran defender Boualem Khoukhi powered home a header at the back post. His goal sparked wild celebrations on the Qatar bench and secured a famous result.
Landmark moment for Lopetegui
The match also marked Julen Lopetegui’s first appearance as a coach at the World Cup.
The Spaniard was due to lead Spain at the 2018 tournament in Russia. However, Spain dismissed him days before the competition after learning he had agreed to join Real Madrid.
Switzerland will now turn their attention to Thursday’s clash with Bosnia in Los Angeles. Qatar, meanwhile, will face co-hosts Canada in Vancouver as they chase a place in the knockout stages.
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