Qatar produced a dramatic late flourish to hold Switzerland to a 1-1 draw in their World Cup Group B opener, as Boualem Khoukhi struck in stoppage time to cancel out Breel Embolo’s early penalty at Levi’s Stadium. Despite dominating much of the action, Murat Yakin’s men failed to close out the match and paid the price for their missed chances.

Switzerland left to regret wasted opportunities

Switzerland were made to pay for a string of missed chances as Qatar claimed their first-ever World Cup point in thrilling fashion. Yakin’s side appeared on course for a comfortable win after controlling long stretches of the match in Santa Clara, but their inability to find a second goal proved their undoing. Yakin’s frustration was evident at the final whistle, tossing a water bottle to the ground as his team squandered two vital points.

Breel Embolo’s 17th-minute penalty had given Switzerland the perfect start, and they looked set to see the game out comfortably. However, in the 94th minute, Boualem Khoukhi rose highest to head home – though the goal was officially recorded as a Miro Muheim own goal – sparking jubilant celebrations among the Qatari supporters. The result leaves both sides with a point apiece in Group B, keeping the group finely poised following Canada’s earlier draw with Bosnia-Herzegovina.

VAR controversy overshadows early penalty

The encounter was not without controversy. In the 14th minute, VAR was called into action after Qatar goalkeeper Abunada collided with Remo Freuler inside the box. The keeper required medical attention, and while he was treated, the referee awarded a penalty to Switzerland. The decision drew protests as replays indicated a possible offside in the build-up. Frustration grew inside the stadium when FIFA did not display the automated offside confirmation on the big screen.

Embolo, who had arrived in the United States later than the rest of the squad, showed no signs of fatigue as he confidently converted the spot-kick into the bottom left corner. Yet, despite taking an early lead, the Swiss were unable to press home their advantage. Both Dan Ndoye and Embolo squandered clear chances to extend the margin before halftime.

Granit Xhaka slams lack of composure

Captain Granit Xhaka did not mince words after the match, expressing disappointment in his team’s execution. He noted that the display was reminiscent of their 1-1 draw against Australia in a pre-tournament friendly, lamenting that his warnings before kickoff went unheeded.

“Football has its beautiful and less beautiful sides, that won’t change. If you don’t take your chances up front, you’ll concede at the back. Maybe we lost some patience and felt we absolutely had to score the second goal. We need to be smart and experienced enough to see the game out,” Xhaka told SRF.

“We knew they were waiting for their moment. The rhythm was off, we weren’t holding our positions anymore, everyone was just running around without structure. You have to respect your positions and stick to the coach’s instructions. It’s not about being a showman or trying to do everything yourself. Discipline is essential. If the coach makes changes and you don’t maintain discipline in your role, then it becomes very difficult.”

What lies ahead for both sides

After the draw in their opening Group B fixture, Switzerland already find themselves under early pressure. With just one point, they now travel to Los Angeles to face Bosnia and Herzegovina, who also drew their first match against Canada. The group remains wide open. Qatar, meanwhile, celebrated their point as though it were a victory and will next take on co-hosts Canada in Vancouver on June 18.