World Cup: Qatar seeks draw against Switzerland and scores for the first time in history
Qatar drew 1-1 against Switzerland in the first round of group B of the 2026 World Cup this Saturday afternoon (13). Playing at the São Francisco Stadium, Breel Embolo scored for the Swiss; Khouki equalized for the Qataris.
The game
It was a crush for Switzerland in Santa Clara, but with many missed chances. Even though Qatar had the first chance of the game in the opening minutes, it was Switzerland who ruled the match.
Abdurisag fought for the ball high up and it fell to Akanji. The defender got complicated and it was left to Edmilson Júnior, a Brazilian who became a naturalized Qatari. The number 8 came forward, faced goalkeeper Kobel and shot, but the goalkeeper kept the ball.
In the 16th minute, the Europeans opened the scoring with Embolo, from the penalty spot, and also had four other clear chances to score. In stoppage time, Embolo received the ball inside the area, pivoted and activated Vargas. The number 17 dominated and, face to face with the goalkeeper, hit, but Abunada saved with his foot.
In the end, the 1-0 in the first half was even cheap for Qatar, who threatened little.
The second stage was similar. Switzerland almost expanded in two consecutive moves. At 30, Vargas received the ball on the left inside the area and shot poorly, in the middle of the goal, for the goalkeeper's defense. Soon after, Embolo was involved in infiltration inside the area, came face to face with the goalkeeper and tried to touch Abunada, but sent it out.
In the last minute, Catar arrived on the left and the ball was sent into the area. Defender Khoukhi appeared above Muheim and headed the ball to Kobel's left side.
Next games
The teams return to the pitch next Thursday (18). Playing at the Los Angeles Stadium (USA), Switzerland faces Bosnia Herzegovina, at 4pm (Brasília time). Qatar will have to travel to Canada to face the hosts, at 7pm (Brasília time), at Vancouver Stadium.
See the ranking of the most "worn out" teams for the World Cup
Source: CNN