By Peter Barabas and Euronews Doha bureu
Published on
Qatar celebrated long into the night after claiming the first World Cup point in the nation’s history, thanks to a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser against Switzerland in San Francisco.
Miro Muheim inadvertently headed into his own net in the 94th minute under pressure from Qatar’s Boualem Khoukhi, rescuing a point for Al-Annabi, who weathered sustained Swiss pressure throughout much of the match.
Credit also goes to goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada, who produced a series of crucial saves to keep Qatar in the contest. He was named man of the match for his performance.
At the final whistle, an exhausted Abunada dropped to the pitch before joining his teammates, manager Julen Lopetegui and coaching staff to celebrate a historic result.
Celebrations across Qatar and the Arab world
The late equaliser sparked jubilant scenes among Qatar supporters inside the stadium, while celebrations spread across Qatar and the wider Arab world.
“Congratulations to our brothers in Qatar, a well-deserved celebration for all Arabs, from the Atlantic to the Gulf. Al-Anabi fought until the very last moment and secured a precious point with the spirit of champions,” read one message posted on X from Saudi Arabia.
Group B wide open
The result means all four teams in Group B are level on one point after Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina also drew in Toronto on Friday.
With everything still to play for, the race for the knockout stages remains wide open heading into the second round of group fixtures.