Qatar secured a 1-1 draw against Switzerland in their opening Group B match at the World Cup at Levi's Stadium, scoring an equalizer in the dying seconds of the game.
The penalty converted by Breel Embolo in the first half looked set to give the Swiss a hard-fought victory to kick off the tournament. But Qatari captain Boualem Khoukhi headed in a late equalizer in stoppage time to give the hosts of the 2022 edition their first point in a World Cup group stage.
Switzerland enjoyed strong support in Santa Clara, though many seats appeared empty as the teams emerged onto the field of the 69,000-capacity stadium, home of the San Francisco 49ers. After photos emerged showing thousands of empty seats for the Group A match between South Korea and Czech Republic in Guadalajara, FIFA insisted that official attendance figures were accurate. The world football governing body noted that several supporters with tickets were seen standing in aisles rather than in their assigned seats throughout the match.
Qatar, managed by former Spanish coach Julen Lopetegui, had an early chance to spring a surprise when Edmílson Junior stole the ball from Swiss defender Manuel Akanji to find himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper. But his shot was straight at Gregor Kobel. Dan Ndoye then saw his ground-level effort saved by Qatari goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada before the Nottingham Forest striker blazed another attempt over the bar.
Switzerland were awarded a penalty in the 13th minute when Remo Freuler, following a flicked header from Embolo, was fouled by Abunada, who required treatment. After a lengthy delay and a VAR check for offside, Rennes striker Embolo kept his cool to beat Abunada from the spot. The Qatari goalkeeper then made a brilliant reflex save to deny Rubén Vargas’ close-range effort at the near post. In stoppage time of the first half, a Michel Aebischer effort was cleared off the line.
Switzerland quickly regained the upper hand after the restart, with captain Granit Xhaka unleashing a long-range strike over the bar. However, with the oppressive heat, the pace of the game slowed as the next hydration break approached. Fifteen minutes from time, Embolo struck the outside of the small net, and substitute Johan Manzambi narrowly missed the target.
The Swiss paid dearly for their lack of efficiency when a deep cross from left-back Homam Al Amin found defender Khoukhi at the far post, who powered a header into the top corner, sparking scenes of jubilation among his teammates and the Qatari bench.
