Qatar v Switzerland
Play By Play
Qatar record their first-ever point at a World Cup after last-gasp drama against Switzerland helped them claim a 1-1 draw. Edmilson and Ndoye both spurned early chances at either end before Embolo’s 17th-minute opener from the penalty spot after Abunada’s foul on Freuler. The second period was a much quieter contest, but Switzerland saw so many opportunities to wrap up all three points go begging. Qatar captain Khoukhi then climbed the highest to level in the fourth minute of second-half stoppage time. Switzerland accumulated 3.24 expected goals (xG) to the 0.76 from Lopetegui’s men, but Khoukhi’s heroics leave all four teams on one point in Group B. Next up, Switzerland face Bosnia-Herzegovina on Thursday, while co-hosts Canada await Qatar later on the same day. That is all we have time for, until next time – goodbye for now!
Qatar record their first-ever point at a World Cup after last-gasp drama against Switzerland helped them claim a 1-1 draw. Edmilson and Ndoye both spurned early chances at either end before Embolo’s 17th-minute opener from the penalty spot after Abunada’s foul on Freuler. The second period was a much quieter contest, but Switzerland saw so many opportunities to wrap up all three points go begging. Qatar captain Khoukhi then climbed the highest to level in the fourth minute of second-half stoppage time. Switzerland accumulated 3.24 expected goals (xG) to the 0.76 from Lopetegui’s men, but Khoukhi’s heroics leave all four teams on one point in Group B. Next up, Switzerland face Bosnia-Herzegovina on Thursday, while co-hosts Canada await Qatar later on the same day. That is all we have time for, until next time – goodbye for now!
FULL-TIME: QATAR 1-1 SWITZERLAND
The Switzerland corner gets cleared at the near post before Abunada punches away. Jashari then hammers wastefully over, and Qatar are seconds away from their first-ever point at a World Cup.
Manzambi has a late run and wins a corner on the right-hand side. Can Switzerland steal the victory back after slipping in the final moments?
GOOOOOOOOOALLLLLLLLLLLLL! QATAR LEVEL AT THE DEATH! Having wasted a heap of chances, Switzerland are punished in the dying seconds as Qatar make it 1-1. Ahmed has tons of time on the left to cross towards the back post, where captain Khoukhi towers above Muheim and thunders a header into the top-right corner. What a moment for Lopetegui’s team, who are going to claim a famous point in their World Cup opener!
Akanji shields away for a Switzerland throw-in and his side are just minutes away from an opening World Cup win.
Zakaria flashes a low cross across the face of goal, but Rieder is caught on his heels when attacking the ball. There will be six additional minutes to end this contest.
Afif goes racing inside from the left flank before offloading to Alaaeldin, who spins and sends a tame effort at Kobel. Yakin cuts a frustrated figure on the touchline, having almost seen his side throw away a dominant performance late on.
Jashari also gets a late cameo, replacing Freuler, who won the penalty for Embolo's first-half opener.
The experienced Rodriguez's game is over, with Muheim taking his place.
Edmilson, who missed a glorious chance in the first few minutes, makes way for Al Haydos.
Qatar's substitution has to wait for a Swiss free-kick, but Xhaka cedes possession. Afif then keeps play alive with a deflected cross that Kobel has to be alert to keep it from dipping under his crossbar.
Xhaka feeds a gorgeous pass through for Embolo, who battles his way into the penalty area before standing on the ball and sending it spiralling through to Abunada.
Zakaria sees an initial cross blocked but Switzerland recycle possession and settle back into their space. This is all one-way traffic for Yakin's team.
SO CLOSE! A lovely passing move falls at the feet of Manzambi, who sets his sights on the bottom-left corner from range. His dipping strike looks to have the beating of Abunada, but sails narrowly wide.
The excellent Vargas also takes a rest, with Yakin sending on Amdouni.
Lopetegui makes further changes as midfielder Madibo comes off for Mannai.
After Embolo's chance, Switzerland's 22 shots are their most in a World Cup game on record since 1966. Yakin will be livid if his team do not walk away with all three points here.
CLOSE! Embolo almost makes it 2-0. Manzambi threads a gorgeous pass through for Embolo, who looks to poke through the legs of the onrushing Abunada. He beats the goalkeeper, but the Swiss striker's effort trickles just wide of the bottom-left corner.
Boudiaf tries his luck from range, but his piledriver is always climbing well over Kobel's target. Down the other end, Vargas curls a tame effort towards Abunada, who pushes away with ease.
Qatar are looking more assured in possession at the back, though they are rarely troubling the Swiss defence with the ball. Lopetegui will be pleased with his side's improvements, though.
Afif has the beating of Xhaka but fails to find a team-mate after running at Zakaria in a great opening. That should still serve as a major warning for Yakin's team.
In fact, there has been no shot on target in the second half, with all five of Switzerland's attempts missing the target. Qatar are yet to even have an attempt, but Lopetegui may be telling his team they are still well in this game if they can cling on for the next 10 minutes.
Xhaka's misfiring attempt brings the second-half hydration break. Yakin will be content with his side's lead, but he may be concerned that Switzerland are yet to extend their half-time advantage. Kobel has been untested in this half at the other end, however, with Qatar failing to create any chances.
