Qatar 1 – 1 Switzerland. A Boring Match Saved by an Amazing Finish! | OneFootball

Not gonna lie, the Qatar vs. Switzerland match gave proof to the widely held opinion that both nations are among the world’s dullest. Until the 95th minute.

Qatar’s Shocking Finish

Qatar’s three previous shots on frame were weak efforts easily handled by Gregor Kobol. The Maroons had conceded possession, and were lucky to be only one goal behind in the waning minutes of the match when they once again threw bodies forward in what most had to think was another futile effort.

But then wing-back Homam Al-Amin, the only player on the Qatar team NOT playing in the domestic Stars League, dashed up the left flank into space to chase down a ball in space. Given ample time from the Swiss defense, he whipped in a beautiful cross towards the far post. Rising up like the seasonal northwesterly Al-Shamal winds, center-back and captain Boualem Khoukhi towered above Swiss back Miro Muheim and hammered the ball into the net with the confidence of a world-class striker.

Queue jubilation from the white-robed Qatar fans, and disbelief from the red-clad Swiss.

Switzerland’s Missed Chances

Switzerland will be forced to confront the spectre of missed opportunity, having been given ample chances to put the match to bed earlier. But for whatever reason – nerves, overthinking, whatever – they couldn’t finish. Statistically, they OWNED the match:

Their sole goal came from the penalty spot in the 17th minute after Qatar’s keeper Mahmud Abunada clattered into Remo Freuler. Breel Embolo casually dispatched the kick, which was Switzerland’s first in open play after 42 World Cup matches.

But the rest of the match was an exercise in frustration. Embolo, Rubén Vargas and Dan Ndoye whiffed shot after shot. FotMob summarized it perfectly in this one frame:

A perfect encapsulation of the match. Source: FotMob

Qatar’s Other Hero

Boualem Khoukhi will get the plaudits, but goalkeeper Mahmud Abunada deserves credit too. Al-Rayyan’s #1 might have been complicit in the early penalty, but he made FIVE critical saves to keep his team within striking distance of a point.

Group B Impact

All four teams in Group B (also includes Canada and Bosnia & Herzegovina) are now level with one point and a zero goal differential. The group is still wide open and if it was to end now accumulated yellow cards would decide the standings.

For those interested, here’s how many yellows each side has:

Switzerland – 1Canada – 2Qatar – 2Bosnia & Herzegovina – 3