SAN FRANCISCO, United States, June 14 — Qatar grabbed its first point at the FIFA World Cup after drawing 1-1 with Switzerland in Group B on Saturday, thanks to Miro Muheim’s late own goal.
In its only previous World Cup appearance as host nation in 2022, Qatar lost all three group matches. Switzerland, who reached the World Cup finals for the sixth consecutive edition, broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Qatar goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada tripped down Remo Freuler in the box, and Breel Embolo stepped up to convert the first penalty of this World Cup. The European side continued its pressure afterwards but failed to extend the lead. Switzerland was punished in the dying minutes when Muheim accidentally headed a cross into his own net. Qatar coach Julen Lopetegui praised his team’s fighting spirit. “We were able to survive difficult moments, we didn’t lose composure when behind, which was important, and at the end we got the reward with that goal which gave us that point which had never existed [for us],” he said. Qatar next plays Canada, while Switzerland takes on Bosnia and Herzegovina. The four teams are level on one point after the first round.
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