The tie between Canada and Bosnia gave a great golden opportunity for Switzerland or Qatar to go all out for first place in group B. The Europeans were far superior to their rivals in the tournament’s debut. They went ahead with Embolo’s goal, but Khoukhi’s header in stoppage time puts the group on maximum equality.
First place is the goal of all teams. Switzerland went on the attack, showing that on paper, they were the favorites to take the three points. However, It was Qatar that had the first big chance two minutes into the match. A serious mistake by Akanji caused Edmilson Junior to go one-on-one with Kobel, but the Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper stood firm.
It didn’t take long for the first Swiss warnings to arrive. In just 11 minutes, Switzerland had three great chances that almost took the lead. But Abunada wanted to keep a clean sheet. The Qatari goalkeeper’s great start to the game was marred by committing a penalty after running over Freuler who was on the verge of being offside. A maximum penalty that Embolo was in charge of transforming calmly with a shot to the left side close to the post. Switzerland’s first penalty goal in World Cup history.
Switzerland’s superiority was overwhelming, but they could not put more ground in the way. Qatar warned in the final minutes, to emphasize that if they did not score the second, the three points could escape them. Embolo was untied, but his objective was to assist his companionswho first ran into Abunada and then the Qatari defense who took a ball on the line to prevent the difference from being greater at half-time.
The second half started the same as the first 45 minutes, Switzerland dominating and stalking the Qatari goalwho defended themselves and sought to create danger, although without success, based on counters. Rubén Vargas grew as the minutes of the second half passed. Proof of this is that in the 75th minute he had the second goal in his legs, but the rival goalkeeper appeared again.
Qatar File – Switzerland
Switzerland, owner of the ball throughout the match, could not penetrate Qatar’s net again, and it ended up hurting them. The Asian team did not give up, their defense managed to stop the rival attack and an attack in the 94th minute was rewarded. Lateral center that Khoukhi was responsible for introducing into the Swiss goal with a powerful header and thus Qatar manages to take a point from a match that the Europeans dominated.
