News Focus
- Qatar earn their first-ever World Cup point following a 1-1 stalemate with Switzerland in Group B
- Miro Muheim heads into his own net during the 94th minute to cancel out Breel Embolo’s first-half penalty
- Julen Lopetegui claims a landmark result in his first World Cup match as Qatar head coach
- Group B remains perfectly balanced with all four nations sitting on one point each
- Switzerland dominate possession and create 26 goal attempts but fail to secure victory
Qatar celebrated a historic moment at the World Cup finals after a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser earned them a 1-1 draw against Switzerland. The Gulf nation secured their first-ever point at the tournament when defender Miro Muheim accidentally headed the ball into his own net deep into added time.
The unfortunate own goal arrived in the 94th minute. Muheim was under intense pressure from Boualem Khoukhi as he attempted to clear a dangerous cross from Homam Ahmed. The defender’s header flew past Swiss goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, sparking wild celebrations among the Qatar players and their travelling supporters.
The late strike cancelled out a 17th-minute penalty from Breel Embolo. Swiss midfielder Remo Freuler had won the spot-kick following a collision with Qatar keeper Mahmoud Abunada inside the six-yard box. Television replays suggested Freuler may have been offside during the build-up, but officials confirmed the decision after a lengthy VAR review.
Abunada, who received a yellow card for the challenge, redeemed himself with several crucial saves throughout the contest. Switzerland controlled large periods of the match and managed 26 shots on goal compared to Qatar’s seven attempts, yet they could not find a second goal.
The result marks a significant moment for Qatar coach Julen Lopetegui. The Spaniard was taking charge of his first World Cup match with the national team. Lopetegui was originally appointed to manage Spain at the 2018 tournament but lost that position just before the finals after announcing he would join Real Madrid.
“We achieved one dream when we arrived here, to be here, and now today is another little dream,” Lopetegui told reporters after the final whistle. “And we have the right to continue having the dream.”
For Qatar, the point represents their first ever at a World Cup finals. Four years ago, they suffered a winless exit from the 2022 tournament on home soil. Goalkeeper Abunada expressed his delight at making history. “This is the first point in the history of the Qatari national team. Praise be to God in all circumstances,” he stated.
The draw leaves Group B delicately poised. Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina also sit on one point following their 1-1 stalemate earlier in the day. Qatar will next face Canada in Vancouver, while Switzerland meet Bosnia and Herzegovina in Los Angeles.
Switzerland will feel frustrated after dominating proceedings. Coach Murat Yakin watched his side waste numerous clear opportunities, with Dan Ndoye particularly wasteful in front of goal. Meanwhile, captain Granit Xhaka and veteran full-back Ricardo Rodriguez made history by earning their 13th World Cup appearances, surpassing Xherdan Shaqiri’s national record.
The clash took place at Levi’s Stadium in San Francisco, home of the NFL’s 49ers. Although the official attendance was listed as 67,966, large sections of empty seats were visible within the 70,000-capacity arena.