Qatar claim first-ever World Cup point in injury time as Switzerland rue missed chances

Despite having tasted success in just two of their last 15 meetings with European nations (D5, L8), Julen Lopetegui’s Qatar nearly made a dream start in Santa Clara. A loose touch from Manuel Akanji sent Edmilson Junior clear through on goal, but the Al-Duhail forward was unable to direct his effort beyond the large frame of Gregor Kobel.

That early scare prompted a swift response from the Red Crosses, with Dan Ndoye seeing a low drive thwarted by Mahmoud Abunada.

Switzerland continued to ramp up the pressure, and their attacking intent was rewarded in the 17th minute when Remo Freuler was wiped out by Abunada in the box, allowing Breel Embolo to step up and confidently convert his 25th international goal from the penalty spot.

Murat Yakin’s side remained on the front foot as the first half progressed, with Ndoye twice going close to extending their lead, while at the other end, Edmilson saw another promising opportunity denied by the legs of Kobel.

The final chance of the opening period fell to Michel Aebischer, whose goalbound strike was cleared off the line by Pedro Miguel, keeping Qatar within touching distance at the break.

Determined to give themselves some breathing space, Switzerland carried their momentum into the early stages of the second half, as Granit Xhaka fired a powerful 25-yard effort narrowly over the bar.

For all their possession in the final third, however, a second goal continued to prove elusive for the Red Crosses, with Abunada saving smartly from Ruben Vargas before Embolo poked a close-range strike wide of the target.

Despite their profligacy in front of goal, it looked like Switzerland had done enough to secure the win, but in a dramatic late twist, Qatar snatched a last-gasp equaliser when captain Khoukhi rose highest at the back post to head home from Homan Al Amin’s delivery to earn Lopetegui’s men a historic point.

Flashscore Man of the Match: Breel Embolo (Switzerland) 

Catch up on all the match stats with Flashscore.