RIYADH: It did not look like it for 94 minutes, but Qatar managed to secure a valuable and historic point against Switzerland to blow Group B at the 2026 FIFA World Cup wide open.
It might not have been the showing Qatari fans desired after their disappointing campaign at the 2022 World Cup, but a late equalizer from veteran Boualem Khouki sealed a 1-1 draw against the group’s heavyweights.
The Maroons spent most of the encounter on the back foot as Murat Yakin’s team launched wave after wave of attacks on the Qatari goal, racking up 26 attempts throughout the game.
However, a hero emerged in goal for Julen Lopetegui’s side as Mahmoud Abunada made five saves and ensured his nation did not concede from open play.
The encounter was on the verge of taking an interesting turn in the opening two minutes when Edmilson Junior snuck behind Manuel Akanji and found himself with a clear sight of goal.
Edmilson could only muster a tame effort, however, and Switzerland goalkeeper Gregor Kobel kept it out with a fine save.
That was the last time the Qataris got close to goal until the end of the half, as they proceeded to withstand a wave of attacks from the Swiss, who repeatedly found space between the lines.
Abunada was forced into three saves before the hydration break but, in the 14th minute, suffered a blow to his head in an attempt to stop Michel Aebischer from getting through on goal.
The referee pointed to the spot, but Aebischer appeared to be offside. A VAR check ensued, but the players’ focus was on Abunada.
Luckily for the Qatari goalkeeper, he emerged unscathed, but suddenly found himself facing Breel Embolo from the spot. No offside replay was shown, the penalty was taken, and the Swiss took the lead.
The remainder of the half was dominated by Switzerland. Qatar struggled to come to terms with their opponents, but a series of clearances coupled with more astute goalkeeping from Abunada ensured Julen Lopetegui’s side went into the interval trailing by just one goal.
Qatar found themselves in a position to score just before the break, but Edmilson scuffed his attempt after Akram Afif played him through from the right flank.
No changes were made at the start of the second half, but Afif was shifted into a more central role to create better combinations with Yusuf Abdurisag and Edmilson down the left channel. Little changed, however, prompting Lopetegui into a triple substitution at the hour mark.
He gathered substitutes Ahmed Alaaeldin, Karim Boudiaf and Ahmed Fathi into a group hug and offered words of encouragement, urging his players on in search of an equalizer.
Qatar still looked disjointed when building play, and the Swiss press was sufficient to keep them pinned deep inside their own half.
Another passionate team talk from Lopetegui followed and, within seconds of the restart, Afif was able to drive toward the Swiss defense in space, only to attempt a lobbed pass that was dealt with comfortably.
Qatar left it late but did manage to give Switzerland a scare or two with a handful of attacking moves.
A brilliant run from Afif in the 90th minute saw him burst through midfield and gift Alaaeldin a shooting opportunity, but the effort proved too straightforward for Kobel.
However, stoppage time had a different story to tell. Afif released Homam Ahmed down the left flank in what was their final attempt of the game, and the full-back delivered a cross toward the far post, where Khoukhi rose highest to head home and send the Qatar supporters at Levi’s Stadium into raptures.
A 1-1 draw against the highest-ranked team in the group represents an encouraging start for Lopetegui’s side, but the performance will still leave plenty to reflect on.
Switzerland created the overwhelming majority of chances, and without Abunada’s heroics, the result could have looked very different.
Nevertheless, Qatar leave their opening match with something that eluded them throughout their home World Cup in 2022: a point.
Whether they can build on it against co-hosts Canada remains to be seen when the Maroons return to action in Vancouver on June 18.
