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Qatar shocks Switzerland with stoppage-time equalizer for first World Cup point
🇳🇴 Norway /Sports

Qatar shocks Switzerland with stoppage-time equalizer for first World Cup point

From Aftenposten · () Norwegian

Translated from Norwegian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • Qatar secured its first-ever World Cup point with a 1-1 draw against Switzerland.
  • Switzerland's goal came from a controversial penalty that VAR did not allow viewers to see the replay of.
  • Experts and former players criticized the lack of transparency in the VAR decision-making process.

Qatar achieved a historic milestone in the World Cup, earning their first point ever with a dramatic 1-1 draw against Switzerland in San Francisco. The late equalizer came in stoppage time, leaving Swiss commentators calling it a "scandalous result."

Switzerland had taken the lead earlier in the match from a penalty kick that sparked significant debate. TV replays appeared to show Swiss player Remo Freuler in an offside position before he was fouled by Qatar's goalkeeper, Mahmud Ibrahim Abunada. Despite the visual evidence suggesting offside, the VAR review did not lead to a reversal, and the penalty stood.

A scandalous result.

— Carl-Erik Torp, NRK expert commentatorReacting to Qatar's late equalizer against Switzerland.

The handling of the VAR decision drew sharp criticism from football pundits. Former England player Gary Neville expressed frustration, stating that viewers were left in the dark about crucial decisions. He compared the situation to a "dictatorship" where only FIFA holds the evidence, without sharing it. Former Arsenal player Ian Wright echoed these sentiments, highlighting the growing mistrust among fans due to such opaque processes.

Everyone here, and I think everyone watching at home, thinks it's offside.

— Gary NevilleExpressing skepticism about the VAR decision on the penalty.

Qatar, currently ranked 50th in FIFA's rankings, showed resilience against the 19th-ranked Swiss side. The penalty incident occurred midway through the first half, shortly after both teams had missed earlier chances. The Swiss goal was converted by Breel Embolo, who calmly finished past the Qatari keeper after a collision that required Abunada to receive medical attention.

Despite Switzerland's higher ranking and control of the game, they were unable to secure a victory. Qatar, managed by Julen Lopetegui since May 2025, fought back and earned their reward with Khoukhis' equalizer. This draw marks a significant moment for Qatar, who had lost all three of their matches in their previous World Cup appearance as hosts in 2022.

They do as they please. We see it now. Scandalous.

— Ian WrightCriticizing the lack of transparency in VAR decisions.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Aftenposten in Norwegian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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