Boualem Khoukhi scored a dramatic equalizer in the fourth minute of stoppage time, earning Qatar a 1-1 draw against Switzerland in Group B of the World Cup. The Qatari players collapsed in celebration as the late goal salvaged a point.

Switzerland had taken the lead in the 17th minute through a Breel Embolo penalty, awarded after Qatar goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada fouled the Swiss striker. Abunada received a yellow card and lay motionless for several minutes before recovering.

Embolo's participation was in doubt after he was denied boarding the team flight due to a visa issue stemming from a 2018 criminal conviction. He was eventually cleared to enter the US just over a week before the match.

Switzerland dominated possession and created numerous scoring opportunities but failed to capitalize. Qatar's goalkeeper Gregor Kobel made key saves, including one against Ahmed Alaaeldin in the 90th minute.

The match was played at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, with thousands of empty seats visible. The venue had hosted 70,971 fans for a Copa America match two years ago.

Switzerland has qualified for every World Cup since 2002 but has never advanced beyond the quarterfinals. Qatar, meanwhile, became the first host nation to lose all group matches in 2022, scoring only one goal in the tournament.

Source: www.aljazeera.com