Switzerland Stunned by Qatar Draw in World Cup Opener

Switzerland were left shocked after conceding a stoppage-time equalizer in a 1-1 draw with Qatar on Saturday, in their opening group match at the World Cup. The Swiss had led for most of the game, but the late goal denied them three points and triggered harsh criticism in the local media. It was described in Switzerland as the tournament’s first big surprise.

Twenty Min said Switzerland were not ready for the match and that Qatar coach Julen Lopetegui’s plan worked well. The outlet noted that Qatar created several excellent chances, missed them, and eventually made Switzerland pay. “It hurts a lot to start a tournament like this,” it wrote.

Blick was even more severe, calling the result “simply a joke.” The paper said Switzerland had played as if they were facing a team that did not belong at such tournaments, and added that there was no excuse for failing to win. It said the team expected to score “3, 4, 5” goals, but was punished instead.

RTS also condemned the performance, calling it a “terrible start” and saying the team can discuss missed chances and bad luck, but in the end played poorly and was punished. SRF struck a more optimistic note, saying the dropped points are costly but better lost early than in the decisive stages, and that the result should serve as a wake-up call.