Qatar secured their first-ever point at a FIFA World Cup outside home soil after Boualem Khoukhi scored a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser in a 1-1 draw against Switzerland in their Group-stage clash on Saturday.
Switzerland looked set to take all three points after Breel Embolo converted a penalty in the 17th minute, but Khoukhi struck in the fourth minute of added time to deny the Europeans at a sun-drenched venue in the San Francisco Bay Area.
The Swiss dominated proceedings for long periods and finished with 25 attempts on goal. Dan Ndoye was lively throughout the first half, while Michel Aebischer came close to doubling the lead when his effort was cleared off the line just before the break.
Embolo put Switzerland ahead from the spot after Mahmoud Abunada brought down Remo Freuler inside the penalty area.
Despite spending much of the match on the back foot, Qatar threatened sporadically on the counterattack. Edmilson Junior nearly capitalised on a defensive error by Manuel Akanji in the second minute but was denied by goalkeeper Gregor Kobel. He also forced another important save from the Swiss custodian before halftime.
Switzerland failed to put the contest beyond doubt after the interval, with Juan Vargas and Embolo both missing chances in the closing stages.
Those missed opportunities came back to haunt them. Deep into stoppage time, Homam Ahmed whipped in a cross from the left and Khoukhi rose highest at the far post to head home the equaliser, sparking celebrations among the Qatar players.
The match also saw veterans Ricardo Rodriguez and Granit Xhaka make their joint-record 13th FIFA World Cup appearances for Switzerland.
While Switzerland were left ruing their inability to convert dominance into victory, Qatar celebrated a landmark result that keeps their hopes alive and marks a memorable moment in the nation’s World Cup history.
(with IANS input)
