SANTA CLARA, California: Qatar’s resilience against Switzerland owed much to goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada, whose key saves kept them in the game, a remarkable comeback for a player once close to retirement due to a serious back injury.
The 26-year-old, who made his international debut last year, made six saves as Qatar grabbed a dramatic 1-1 late equalizer against Switzerland to earn their first-ever World Cup point.
The achievement was described by Abunada, who was named Man of the Match, as “the most beautiful moment of my career.”
Fighting back tears as he received his award, he said “I dedicate this moment to my mother and to my family.”
Coach Julen Lopetegui’s decision to start Abunada raised eyebrows, given his limited experience and the presence of Meshaal Barsham, a key player in Qatar’s 2023 Asian Cup win.
