Qatar secured the first FIFA World Cup point in the nation’s history after Boualem Khoukhi scored deep into stoppage time to earn a dramatic 1-1 draw against Switzerland in their Group B opener on Saturday.
The Asian side appeared destined for another World Cup defeat as Switzerland protected a one-goal advantage well into second-half injury time at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium. However, Khoukhi’s late header rescued a precious point and gave Qatar a historic result on football’s biggest stage.
Switzerland had controlled much of the contest after Breel Embolo converted a first-half penalty in the 17th minute. The spot kick was awarded when Qatar goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada brought down Remo Freuler inside the penalty area.
Embolo calmly sent Abunada the wrong way, placing his effort into the left corner to give Switzerland an early lead.
The Swiss quickly seized control of the match and repeatedly threatened to extend their advantage. Denis Zakaria came close to doubling the lead moments later, only for Abunada to produce an excellent save.
The Qatar goalkeeper continued to frustrate Switzerland before halftime, denying Dan Ndoye during stoppage time before making another crucial intervention to push Ruben Vargas’ effort away from goal.
Despite dominating possession and creating a stream of opportunities, Switzerland failed to capitalize on its superiority. The European side generated chance after chance throughout the second half but lacked the clinical finishing needed to put the match beyond Qatar’s reach.
That wastefulness ultimately proved costly.
With Switzerland seemingly on course for victory, Qatar launched one final attack in the fourth minute of stoppage time. Homam Ahmed delivered a pinpoint cross into the penalty area, where Khoukhi rose highest to power a header past the goalkeeper and level the score at 1-1.
The dramatic equalizer sparked jubilant celebrations among the Qatar players, who collected a landmark point in only the country’s second World Cup appearance.
For Switzerland, the result felt like two points dropped after dominating large stretches of the match and creating enough opportunities to secure victory long before Qatar’s late comeback.
The draw leaves both teams with one point after the opening round of Group B, with Qatar gaining renewed confidence ahead of its remaining group-stage fixtures while Switzerland will rue its inability to convert dominance into three points.
