QATAR STUN SWITZERLAND LATE TO CLAIM FIRST EVER WORLD CUP POINT.

Switzerland was left frustrated after a stoppage-time equaliser from Qatar secured a
1-1 draw in their World Cup Group B opener in San Francisco, with coach Murat
Yakin admitting his side had “lost two points.”

The Swiss controlled large spells of the match, creating clearer chances and
dictating possession, but failed to extend their lead before being punished late on.

“We had very good chances, but we weren’t efficient enough,” Yakin said. “At the
end, unfortunately, we lost two points.”

Qatar struck through Boualem Khoukhi in stoppage time after Switzerland were
caught in possession deep in their half.

“It was unnecessary that we lost the ball,” Yakin added. “We need to be smarter
in how we manage the game. It really hurts.”

Despite criticism over late substitutions and game management, Yakin defended his
squad and took responsibility.

“It was not the fault of the substituted players. We are one team,” he said. “Maybe I
need to look at myself and my decisions.”

Qatar coach praised his side’s resilience after earning their first-ever World Cup
point, highlighting their discipline in difficult conditions.

“We stayed in the game until the end,” he said. “The players believed and fought for
every ball. That point is important for us.”

Switzerland will now turn its attention to its next Group B match against Bosnia
and Herzegovina, while Qatar looks to build on a historic result.