Khoukhi’s Late Equaliser Earns Qatar First Ever World Cup Point in 1-1 Draw with Switzerland

Boualem Khoukhi’s stoppage-time header secured Qatar a historic first World Cup point after a 1-1 draw with Switzerland, who had led through Breel Embolo’s first-half penalty.

Qatar national football team earned a historic first-ever FIFA World Cup point after a dramatic 1-1 draw against Switzerland national football team in their opening Group B match on Saturday.

The encounter, played in the San Francisco Bay Area, saw Switzerland take an early lead through a Breel Embolo penalty in the 13th minute after goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada was adjudged to have brought down Remo Freuler inside the box.

Despite a lengthy VAR review, the decision stood, and Embolo calmly sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to put the Swiss in control.

From that point, Switzerland dominated possession and chances, registering over two dozen attempts on goal. However, their inability to convert opportunities would later prove costly.

Qatar, who appeared disjointed for much of the first half, struggled to cope with the tempo and attacking movement of their opponents. Their limited build-up play reflected a lack of preparation, with several pre-tournament friendlies reportedly disrupted in the lead-up to the competition.

Switzerland continued to press after the restart, with Granit Xhaka coming close from distance and Embolo nearly doubling his tally, but finishing remained wasteful.

As the match entered its final stages, Switzerland looked set to secure a narrow victory, but Qatar found a breakthrough deep into stoppage time.

In the 94th minute, veteran defender Boualem Khoukhi rose highest inside the box to head home a looping cross, sending the ball past goalkeeper Gregor Kobel and sparking wild celebrations among the Qatar bench and fans.

The goal stunned the Swiss side, who had controlled large parts of the match but failed to put it beyond reach.

For Qatar, the result marked a significant milestone, as it represented their first-ever point in a World Cup finals appearance and a morale-boosting start to their campaign.

Switzerland will now turn their attention to their next fixture against Bosnia, while Qatar are set to face co-hosts Canada in Vancouver in what promises to be another challenging encounter.

The match also marked the World Cup managerial debut of Qatar coach Julen Lopetegui, who had previously been set to lead Spain at the 2018 tournament before his sudden dismissal days before kickoff.