Qatar vs Switzerland FIFA World Cup result: Qatar earn first ever World Cup point with stoppage time equalizer

Qatar players celebrate after their team’s first goal. (Photo by AP/PTI) Qatar finally banished the ghosts of their disappointing home World Cup four years ago as they grabbed a dramatic 1-1 draw against Group B favorites Switzerland to secure their first-ever World Cup point on Saturday.The stoppage-time equalizer, later decided by Swiss defender Miro Muheim’s own goal after Boualem Khoukhi’s header, sparked wild celebrations among the Qatari players and supporters at Levi’s Stadium, where a crowd of 67,966 witnessed a historic moment for the Gulf nation.With Qatar having lost all three matches on their debut in 2022, their latest result marked a significant milestone and gave Julen Lopetegui’s side renewed belief in their campaign.“We achieved one dream when we came here, to be here, and today is another little dream. And we have the right to continue,” Lopetegui said after the match.“We believe in each other, we work, we resist, we are resilient. In the end, we have one big award for us,” he added.READ ALSO: ‘Technical blackout’: FIFA breaks silence on controversial VAR call in Switzerland-Qatar draw

Qatar’s resilience is paying off

Switzerland appeared on course for victory after Breel Embolo converted a 17th-minute penalty to cap a busy week for the striker, who only recently resolved the visa issues that initially threatened his participation in the tournament.The Swiss dominated possession and created several opportunities to extend their lead, but were unable to convert their dominance.Qatar goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada recovered from a worrying collision early in the match, while Gregor Kobel denied Edmilson Junior and Ahmed Alaaeldin as the Asian side continued to push for an equaliser.Their persistence paid off deep into injury time when Khoukhi rose highest to meet a cross, the ball deflecting off Muheim and finding the net to give Qatar a priceless point.Several Qatari players collapsed on the pitch in celebration, while others hugged each other in scenes of pure emotion.

Swiss rue did not waste chances

The result left Switzerland frustrated after letting victory slip away.“We look at ourselves. This performance today was not good enough to win,” admitted captain Granit Xhaka.Coach Murat Yakin was equally disappointed, describing the draw as a loss of two points.“We created very good chances, but unfortunately we weren’t always effective. Maybe we weren’t smart enough, precise enough in finishing,” said Yakin. “It really hurts a lot. Now we have to go back to the drawing board and come back stronger.”Denis Zakaria echoed the sentiment, admitting that Switzerland paid dearly for being wasteful in front of goal.While the Swiss were left to wonder what might have been, Qatar celebrated a landmark result that could finally help them move past the painful memories of 2022.Qatar face Canada on Friday, while Switzerland will look to bounce back against Bosnia and Herzegovina as Group B takes shape.