SANTA CLARA, California — Qatar earned the first World Cup point in its history after Boualem Khoukhi’s dramatic stoppage-time header secured a 1-1 draw against Group B favorite Switzerland on Saturday.The Gulf nation looked set for another World Cup defeat before Khoukhi rose to head home in the fourth minute of added time at Levi’s Stadium, sparking wild celebrations among the Qatari players and fans.Switzerland had taken the lead in the 17th minute when Breel Embolo converted a penalty after Qatar goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada fouled the striker inside the area.The Swiss controlled possession for long periods and created several chances to put the match beyond reach, but their wastefulness in front of goal proved costly.Qatar goalkeeper Abunada recovered after a heavy collision in the buildup to the penalty, while Switzerland goalkeeper Gregor Kobel made key saves to preserve his side’s lead before the late equalizer.The result marks a significant milestone for Qatar, which became the first World Cup host nation to lose all three group-stage matches at the 2022 tournament on home soil. After defeats to Ecuador, Senegal and the Netherlands four years ago, the draw against Switzerland delivered the country’s first-ever point on football’s biggest stage.Switzerland, which entered the tournament as the favorite to advance from the group, will be left frustrated after failing to convert its dominance into victory.The draw leaves both teams with a point in Group B as the tournament continues across the United States, Mexico and Canada.SANTA CLARA, California — Qatar earned the first World Cup point in its history after Boualem Khoukhi’s dramatic stoppage-time header secured a 1-1 draw against Group B favorite Switzerland on Saturday.The Gulf nation looked set for another World Cup defeat before Khoukhi rose to head home in the fourth minute of added time at Levi’s Stadium, sparking wild celebrations among the Qatari players and fans.Switzerland had taken the lead in the 17th minute when Breel Embolo converted a penalty after Qatar goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada fouled the striker inside the area.The Swiss controlled possession for long periods and created several chances to put the match beyond reach, but their wastefulness in front of goal proved costly.Qatar goalkeeper Abunada recovered after a heavy collision in the buildup to the penalty, while Switzerland goalkeeper Gregor Kobel made key saves to preserve his side’s lead before the late equalizer.The result marks a significant milestone for Qatar, which became the first World Cup host nation to lose all three group-stage matches at the 2022 tournament on home soil. After defeats to Ecuador, Senegal and the Netherlands four years ago, the draw against Switzerland delivered the country’s first-ever point on football’s biggest stage.Switzerland, which entered the tournament as the favorite to advance from the group, will be left frustrated after failing to convert its dominance into victory.The draw leaves both teams with a point in Group B as the tournament continues across the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Qatar stun Switzerland with stoppage-time equalizer for historic World Cup point
