Qatar secured their first-ever World Cup point in dramatic fashion, snatching a 1-1 draw against Switzerland on Saturday when Boualem Khoukhi headed home in the fourth minute of stoppage time. The result in Santa Clara stunned the Swiss, who had dominated possession and created numerous chances but failed to put the game away.
Khoukhi beat Swiss defender Miro Muheim to a cross from Homam Ahmed at the far post, sparking wild celebrations. Switzerland had taken the lead earlier through a penalty that itself sparked controversy: a technical outage before the spot kick led to transparency concerns, with Gary Neville accusing FIFA of acting like a "dictatorship." The governing body later issued a statement acknowledging the issue.
The draw means both sides sit on one point in Group B after the opening round of matches. For Qatar, the result provides a massive confidence boost as they look to build on their debut campaign. Switzerland will rue their wastefulness in front of goal, having created the better chances but unable to find a killer second.
Qatar next face a crucial match against another group opponent, while Switzerland must regroup quickly to keep their knockout-stage hopes alive. The Swiss will need sharper finishing and composure in front of goal if they are to advance from what is shaping up to be a tightly contested group.
"I think we will have to steal some points, but in a legitimate way," said Curacao coach Dick Advocaat ahead of his team's debut — a sentiment that Qatar proved is possible on the sport's biggest stage.