SAN FRANCISCO, Jun 14 (V7N) — Qatar earned the first FIFA World Cup point in their history after captain Boualem Khoukhi scored a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser to secure a 1-1 draw against Switzerland in a Group B clash at Levi's Stadium in San Francisco on Friday.

Switzerland appeared on course for victory after Breel Embolo converted a penalty in the 17th minute, giving the Europeans a deserved lead in a match they largely controlled for long periods.

The goal was a historic one for Switzerland. Playing in their 13th World Cup appearance, the Swiss won and converted a penalty for the first time in the tournament's history. Remarkably, it was their first World Cup penalty in 42 matches dating back to their debut appearance in 1934.

Switzerland started brightly and repeatedly threatened the Qatari defence. Their breakthrough came when Qatar goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada brought down an opponent inside the penalty area. Embolo calmly stepped up and fired home from the spot to put his side ahead.

The Swiss continued to dominate after the break and created several opportunities to extend their advantage. However, Abunada redeemed himself with a series of impressive saves to keep Qatar in the contest.

Asian champions Qatar gradually grew into the match and pushed forward in search of an equaliser. Their persistence was rewarded in the fifth minute of six minutes of added time.

A cross from the left found captain Khoukhi inside the penalty area. The defender, who had moved forward in a desperate attempt to rescue a result, rose above his marker and powered a brilliant header into the net, sparking wild celebrations among the Qatari players and supporters.

The historic goal secured Qatar's first-ever point at a FIFA World Cup. The 2022 tournament hosts had lost all three of their matches on their World Cup debut four years ago and exited without a point.

The result leaves Group B wide open after the other group match between Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina also ended in a 1-1 draw. With all four teams level on one point, the race for qualification to the knockout stage remains finely balanced.

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