Swiss coach rues missed chances after Qatar snatch late World Cup draw

Switzerland coach Murat Yakin lamented his team's missed opportunities and a late own goal that cost them a victory against Qatar in their World Cup Group B opener. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, with Qatar securing their first-ever World Cup point thanks to a stoppage-time own goal by Swiss midfielder Miro Muheim.

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We had an idea and we wanted to be very dominant, very attacking. We created very good chances, but unfortunately we weren't always efficient. Maybe we weren't smart enough, not precise enough in the end. At the end of the day, unfortunately, we lost two points.

Yakin told reporters that his side had "lost two points" after failing to close out the match, especially in the extreme heat. He acknowledged that while Switzerland dominated much of the game, creating clearer chances and controlling possession, they were not efficient or precise enough in the end. "Maybe we weren't smart enough, not precise enough in the end," he said.

The decisive goal initially appeared to be a header by Boualem Khoukhi but was later confirmed as an own goal by Muheim. Yakin described the incident as an "avoidable mistake," stating that his team lost possession in the final minutes when they should have managed the game more carefully. "It was just unnecessary that we lost the ball and allowed the chance," he said. "It really hurts a lot."

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It was just unnecessary that we lost the ball and allowed the chance. It really hurts a lot. Now we have to get back to the drawing board, assess the match and come back stronger.

While Yakin's substitutions came under scrutiny for the team's loss of control late in the game, he defended the players introduced from the bench, emphasizing team unity. He also acknowledged that Switzerland's high-pressing style carried risks, particularly when protecting a narrow lead. Despite the challenging conditions, including the noon heat and a dry pitch, Yakin insisted his experienced squad had shown enough quality to respond and expressed confidence in their ability to perform better in upcoming matches.

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When you bring someone new in, you hope they will give more strength to the team and that you keep dominating. It was not the fault of the substituted players. We are one team, one unit.

Switzerland will now focus on recovering for their next Group B match against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Thursday. Yakin remains convinced that the team will improve and have a "very good World Cup."

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We all play under the same circumstances. We created all of the chances today. Maybe we lacked precision and determination to score a second goal.