Late game drama seals 1-1 draw between Switzerland and Qatar

Switzerland and Qatar end today’s mid-day match with 1-1 tie, leaving all four teams in Group B even at one point a piece.

An early mistake coming in the form of a foul inside the box by Qatari goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada gave Switzerland a penalty kick opportunity.

Breel Embolo stepped up to take the kick and coolly found the back of the net to give the Swiss a 1-0 advantage in the 17th minute.

The Swiss dominated the first half, outshooting Qatar 14 to four, but only managed one goal through the first 45.

And their domination continued into the back 45 as well. Outshooting Qatar once again, this time 13 to three.

But one of those shots for Switzerland would be one to regret.

In the 90+4-minute, a long cross into the box found the head of what was originally believed to be Qatari center back Boualem Khoukhi, but later scored to Swiss left back Miro Muheim.

Regardless of the player, the ball snuck itself into the Swiss net and gave Qatar a late game equalizer at the death.

The 1-1 draw marked a special occasion for the previous World Cup hosts as it marked the first time in history the country has scored a point in the World Cup.

For Switzerland, this draw will sting, especially if they cannot escape the group. Outshooting Qatar 26 to six and maintaining 68% of the possession, they failed to capitalize on too many opportunities throughout the match.

 As for Qatar, this match marks an historic occasion but also has proven to the team that there is serious work to be done. But for now, Qataris everywhere should celebrate this momentous occasion.

Switzerland will match up next against Bosnia and Herzegovina at 3 p.m. on Thursday, Qatar will get Canada next at 6 p.m. also on Thursday.

Follow Adrian Murillo Silva on Instagram @adrianms_official