Qatar snatch late draw against Switzerland in World Cup thriller

Qatar snatched their first point of the FIFA World Cup as Boualem Khoukhi's header deep into added time earned them a 1-1 draw with Switzerland in the San Francisco Bay Area on Saturday lunchtime. The result leaves both sides with a point in Group B.

Switzerland dominate first half but fail to kill off game

Breel Embolo's 17th-minute penalty looked set to give Switzerland a winning start against a Qatar side competing at the World Cup for the first time on foreign soil. The spot-kick was awarded after Qatar goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada fouled Remo Freuler in the box.

Switzerland dominated the opening period, with Dan Ndoye causing constant problems. The forward could have had a hat-trick in the first half alone, while midfielder Michel Aebischer saw a shot cleared off the line just before the interval. Murat Yakin's men had 25 attempts in total but lacked cutting edge in front of goal.

Qatar's early chance and Swiss pressure

Qatar had actually created the first opportunity of the match when Edmilson Junior ran clear following a slip by Swiss defender Manuel Akanji in the second minute. However, the winger placed his shot too close to goalkeeper Gregor Kobel. Despite Switzerland's supremacy, the same player threatened again just before the break but Kobel saved with his foot.

Second half low-key until dramatic finish

The second period was largely a low-key affair until, after near-misses from Juan Vargas and Embolo, Khoukhi ensured a dramatic late twist. The defender climbed highest at the back post to nod Homam Ahmed's cross past Kobel four minutes into stoppage time, sparking wild celebrations among the Qatar players and fans.

Historical milestones for Swiss duo

Appearing in their fourth World Cup finals tournament, Ricardo Rodriguez and Granit Xhaka made Swiss history with their joint-record 13th appearance on the global stage. Switzerland remain unbeaten in their last seven World Cup opening games, but it was Qatar, the tournament hosts last time out, who were celebrating at the final whistle.