FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
Switzerland recorded a false start in their first match at the World Cup, drawing 1-1 against Qatar, in a challenge where they were considered favorites and dominated most of the game.
The Swiss took the lead in the 17th minute. After a foul by Qatar goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada on Michel Ebisher, the referee awarded a penalty after consulting the VAR system. From the penalty spot, Bril Embolo was accurate and sent the ball into the net for 1-0.
Switzerland continued to press and in the 21st minute came close to a second goal through Denis Zakaria, but goalkeeper Abunada reacted brilliantly. Qatar had the best chance of the first half in the 43rd minute, when Edmilson Junior tried to equalize, but Gregor Kobel made a crucial save. In the first half’s extra time, Dan Ndoje again threatened the Qatari goal, but Abunada saved his team.
The second half also started with the Swiss dominating. In the 49th minute, captain Granit Xhaka tried a powerful shot from distance, but the ball went just over the crossbar. The best chance to seal the victory came in the 75th minute, when Ruben Vargas found himself alone in front of the goalkeeper, but Abunada won the duel again. A minute later, Embolo came close to scoring the second goal, but his shot ended up near the left post.
When it looked like Switzerland would take all three points, Qatar struck in the extra minutes. After a cross into the area, Bualem Kukhi broke free from the defense and headed home a precise shot to level the scores at 1-1.
After the goal conceded, the Helvetians had no time to react and the match ended in a draw.
With this result, the other Group B match, Canada-Bosnia and Herzegovina, ended with the same score of 1-1, which means that Switzerland, Qatar, Canada and Bosnia each have one point after the first round of World Cup matches.
In the second match of Group B, Switzerland will play against Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 18, while Qatar will face Canada on June 19.
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