Qatar earned their first-ever World Cup point on Saturday in a 1-1 draw against Switzerland during their Group B opener in Santa Clara, California. Breel Embolo broke the deadlock for Switzerland with an early first-half penalty, but the Asian Cup holders managed to rescue a point in the final moments of the match.
Captain Boualem Khoukhi scored an equalizing header in the fourth minute of stoppage time, sparking wild celebrations at home and across the Arab world. The late goal spoiled a dominant performance by Switzerland, who failed to score more despite recording 26 attempts on goal in an energetic and one-sided match.
Switzerland's Yakin attributed the equalizing goal to an avoidable Swiss mistake. Meanwhile, Qatar coach Julen Lopetegui stated that the result allows his team to keep dreaming at the tournament after securing their historic first point.