Qatar Claim Historic World Cup Point After Late Khoukhi Header Against Switzerland

SANTA CLARA, United States (AFP) — Boualem Khoukhi delivered a dramatic finish for Qatar on Saturday, heading in late to secure a 1-1 result against Switzerland in their first match of the World Cup.

Switzerland had gone in front early in the first half through a Breel Embolo penalty in the San Francisco Bay Area, but their failure to turn long spells of control into more goals opened the door for Qatar to collect their first point at a World Cup.

Qatar are playing at the finals for only the second time, following their role as hosts in 2022. They appeared short of rhythm after two planned warm-up games were called off because of the war in the Middle East, leaving the Switzerland fixture as just their third outing since December last year.

For much of the contest, Switzerland were the sharper and more dominant team, finishing with 26 attempts. But Khoukhi, 35, rose at the far post four minutes into added time and sent the Qatar bench into loud celebration.

The match also carried personal significance for Qatar coach Julen Lopetegui, who was taking charge of a World Cup game for the first time. The 59-year-old had been due to lead Spain, his home country, at the 2018 tournament in Russia, but was dismissed shortly before kick-off after it emerged he had agreed to join Real Madrid once the World Cup ended.

Switzerland are trying to reach the knockout rounds for a fourth straight World Cup, but coach Murat Yakin will be concerned that his side could not close out a game they largely controlled.

Qatar almost benefited from a Swiss mistake inside two minutes when Manuel Akanji’s error allowed Edmilson Junior to break clear, only for his weak finish to go straight to Gregor Kobel.

That escape appeared to sharpen Switzerland. In the 13th minute, goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada crashed into Remo Freuler and a penalty was awarded despite questions over a possible offside. After a delay of four minutes, Embolo converted from the spot, sending Abunada the other way.

The remainder of the first half was mostly played around Qatar’s penalty area, though Edmilson nearly punished Switzerland shortly before the interval when he forced Kobel into a save with his right foot after a rare Qatari attack.

Under fierce California sunshine, clear openings became less frequent after the break. Granit Xhaka drove a long-range effort just above the crossbar, while Embolo later nudged an attempt into the outside of the net.

Switzerland’s missed opportunities proved costly in the end, as Khoukhi arrived at the back post in the 94th minute and powered his header in for the equaliser.

Switzerland will face Bosnia in Los Angeles on Thursday, while Qatar travel to Vancouver to meet co-hosts Canada the same day.