Qatar earn first ever World Cup point with late goal against Switzerland

Qatar stunned Switzerland with a late equalizer, earning their first-ever World Cup point in a 1-1 draw. Boualem Khoukhi's header in injury time sparked wild celebrations, canceling out Breel Embolo's first-half penalty.

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Qatar’s Boualem Khoukhi stunned Switzerland with a late equaliser as the sides played out a 1-1 draw in their opening match at World Cup on Saturday.

Switzerland, considered favorites, dominated the match, racking up 26 shots. However, their inability to convert numerous chances proved costly. Qatar, appearing in their second World Cup finals, looked rusty after two canceled warm-up friendlies due to regional conflict. Their meeting with Switzerland was only their third match since December.

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A Breel Embolo penalty had broken the deadlock for Switzerland early in the first half in the San Francisco Bay Area, before the wasteful favourites were made to pay as Qatar earned their first ever point at a World Cup.

Despite being outclassed for most of the game, Qatar's late equalizer denied Switzerland a crucial win. Coach Murat Yakin will be concerned by his team's profligacy. Qatar's coach Julen Lopetegui, meanwhile, marked his first World Cup match as a coach. Switzerland will face Bosnia next, while Qatar plays co-hosts Canada.

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For their boss Julen Lopetegui, it was also a landmark moment as he coached his first World Cup match.