A miraculous header goal with just one minute remaining! Qatar secures its first-ever World Cup points... 1-1 draw with Switzerland after 26 shots

*This content was translated by AI.

Qatar secured a thrilling first World Cup point. A dramatic equalizer in the dying moments saved them from defeat.

On the morning of the 14th (Korean time), Qatar drew 1-1 with Switzerland in the Group B opener of the 2026 FIFA North, Central America and Caribbean World Cup at the Bay Area Stadium in San Francisco, California, USA. Trailing 0-1, Qatar scored a dramatic equalizer in the fifth minute of stoppage time in the second half, securing a precious point.

In this tournament, Qatar was drawn into Group B alongside Switzerland, Canada, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Facing Switzerland, a strong favorite for first place, from the opening match, Qatar managed to grab a point with a dramatic draw. In the match held the previous day, host nation Canada and Bosnia also drew 1-1. All four teams in Group B finished their opening matches with 1-1 draws, starting on equal footing.

The result was significant for Qatar. It marks the first-ever point the nation has earned at a World Cup finals stage.

Qatar first stepped onto the dream stage by qualifying as the host nation for the 2022 World Cup held in their own country. However, reality was harsh. They were eliminated after losing all three group stage matches, including the opener. Qatar became the first host nation to suffer three consecutive defeats in a World Cup group stage.

This North, Central America and Caribbean World Cup was a stage for Qatar to restore its honor. The path to the finals was not easy either. They barely qualified for the playoffs by finishing fourth in Asian Qualifiers Group A, and then secured the World Cup ticket by winning Group A of the playoffs.

In the meantime, Qatar regained confidence by winning the 2023 AFC Asian Cup held in their own country. They also appointed Julen Lopetegui, who previously managed Real Madrid and the Spanish national team, to aim for World Cup success.

After many twists and turns, Qatar returned to the world stage and ultimately wrote new history. Although it was not their first win, they achieved the valuable result of earning their first-ever World Cup point. The significance was even greater because they scored the equalizer during stoppage time in the second half when defeat seemed imminent.

Qatar manager Lopetegui deployed a 4-3-3 formation. Akram Afif (Al Sadd), known as the "Qatar Messi," started as a right-sided attacker.

Switzerland, led by coach Murat Yakin, also lined up in a 4-3-3 formation. Key players including veteran midfielder Granit Xhaka (Sunderland), who plays in the English Premier League, Manuel Akanji (Inter Milan), and goalkeeper Gregor Kobel (Dortmund) were all named in the starting lineup.

However, Qatar conceded the opening goal just 17 minutes into the first half. Switzerland created dangerous situations inside Qatar's penalty area by leveraging their height advantage. In a subsequent scramble in front of the goal, Qatar goalkeeper Mahmoud Abu Nada (Al-Rayyan SC) came forward to clear the ball but failed to do so properly, colliding with Swiss midfielder Remo Freuler (Bologna).

The referee awarded a penalty kick. Goalkeeper Abu Nada received a yellow card. The Swiss penalty taker was Breel Embolo (Stade Rennais). Embolo calmly converted the shot, shaking Qatar's net.

Thereafter, Switzerland increased ball possession and pressed Qatar hard. The match was nearly a one-sided affair. In fact, Switzerland attempted a staggering 26 shots during the game. They also recorded 42 ball touches inside Qatar's penalty area.

In contrast, Qatar managed only seven total shots and nine ball touches inside the opponent's penalty area. Judging by the number of attacks and possession flow, Switzerland completely dominated the match.

However, the difference lay in accuracy. Switzerland recorded seven shots on target, while Qatar had four. Although there was a large gap in total shots, the number of shots actually on target was not as wide as expected.

Switzerland had multiple chances to score additional goals but failed to completely break down Qatar. As a result, the match atmosphere shifted strangely. Even in a difficult situation, Qatar manager Julen Lopetegui utilized all five of his second-half substitution cards to attempt changes. As the match progressed toward its final moments, Qatar's attacking opportunities gradually increased.

Eventually, a dramatic equalizer was scored. Six minutes of stoppage time were added. With one minute remaining, Homam Elamin (Cultural y Deportiva Leonesa) delivered a cross from the right flank. Center-back Boualem Khoukhi (Al Sadd) leaped high to connect with a header, and the ball found the back of the net. Even world-class goalkeeper Gregor Kobel could not stop it.

The Qatar squad embraced Khoukhi, sharing their joy. The match ultimately ended in a 1-1 draw.

Although it was a draw, the atmosphere of the two teams was completely different. Qatar players roared, savoring the joy of securing their first-ever point in World Cup history. Mahmoud Abu Nada, the Qatar goalkeeper who had inadvertently provided the opportunity for the first-half penalty goal, was seen with tearful eyes. In contrast, the Swiss players, who had missed victory just within reach, hung their heads.

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*This content was translated by AI.