Qatar finally shook off the ghosts of their disappointing home World Cup campaign four years ago, earning the nation’s first point with a dramatic 1-1 draw against Group B favorites Switzerland. FIFA World Cup Date on Saturday.A stoppage-time equaliser, later ruled an own goal after Boulim Khokhi’s header over Swiss defender Mero Mauhim, sparked celebrations among Qatari players and supporters at Levi’s Stadium, where 67,966 spectators witnessed a historic moment for the Gulf nation.After losing all three matches in their debut appearance in 2022, Qatar’s latest result marked a significant milestone and gave Julen Lopetegui’s side renewed confidence in their campaign.“When we got here, we fulfilled a dream, to be here, and now today is another little dream. And we have the right to keep dreaming,” Lopetegui said after the match.He added, “We believe, we act, we resist, we are resilient. In the end, we have a great honor for us.”Also read: ‘Technical error’: FIFA breaks silence on controversial VAR call in Switzerland-Qatar draw
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Switzerland cruised to victory after Briel Mbolo won a 17th-minute penalty to cap a crucial week for the striker, who recently resolved visa issues that initially threatened his participation in the tournament.The Swiss dominated possession and created several chances to extend their lead, but failed to make their lead count.Qatar goalkeeper Mahmoud Abounadah recovered from a worrisome collision early in the contest, while Gregor Kobel denied Edmelson Jr. and Ahmed Alauddin as the Asian side continued to press for an equaliser.Their persistence paid off in injury time when Khokhi rose to meet a cross, the ball deflected off Mohim and found the net to give Qatar a priceless point.Several Qatari players collapsed on the field in celebration, while others embraced in emotional scenes.
Swiss Rio missed the opportunity.
The result left Switzerland disappointed after missing out on victory.“We are looking at ourselves. The performance was not good enough to win today,” admitted captain Granit Xhaka.Coach Murat Yakin was equally disappointed, calling the draw a two-point deficit.“We created a lot of good chances, but unfortunately we weren’t always effective. Maybe we weren’t smart enough, not accurate enough at the end,” Yakin said. “It really hurts. Now we have to go back to the drawing board and come back strong.”Denis Zakaria echoed that sentiment, admitting that Switzerland paid the price for their wastefulness in front of goal.While the Swiss were left to wonder what might have been, Qatar celebrated a historic result that could finally help them move on from the painful memories of 2022.Qatar next face Canada on Friday, while Switzerland look to bounce back against Bosnia and Herzegovina as Group B begins to take shape.
