World Cup Nights: Qatar make history at the death, Brazil rescued by Vinícius

An emotion-packed night of Cup football. In California, Qatar snatch a 1-1 draw with Switzerland at the very last gasp through Khoukhi and claim the first point in their World Cup history. A blunt Brazil — without Neymar — are held 1-1 by Morocco, with Vinícius sparing the Seleção's blushes. Australia and Scotland smile. Tonight it's Germany, the Netherlands and the first surprises of Groups E and F.

At the Bay Area's Levi's Stadium, the upset of the night unfolds. Switzerland dominate, create and fire off 26 attempts, breaking through with Breel Embolo from the spot on 17' (keeper Abunada fouling Freuler). It looks routine — but Qatar never give in: on 90+4', from Al-Ganehi's cross, captain Boualem Khoukhi rises to head home the 1-1. It's the first point in Qatar's World Cup history, and a night to forget for a Swiss side that ran the game but couldn't kill it off.

In New York/New Jersey, it's Morocco who set the tempo. The 2022 semi-finalists go ahead through Ismaël Saibari, who chips Alisson with a delightful finish on 21' after a Brahim Díaz assist. Brazil, missing Neymar and still bedding in under Carlo Ancelotti, lean on their superstar: on 32' Vinícius Júnior conjures a moment of magic to level. Late on, Alisson preserves the point with a double save. It ends 1-1, and the Atlas Lions leave to applause.

Two narrow but significant wins round off the night. Scotland edge Haiti 1-0 through John McGinn (28', tapping in the rebound after Che Adams was denied) to top Group C. Australia, in the nightcap, beat Türkiye 2-0: Nestory Irankunda opens with a stunning touch-and-finish on 27', Connor Metcalfe seals it on 75'. The Socceroos join the USA on three points in Group D.

Off the pitch, Neymar's absence dominates after a grade-two calf strain: Ancelotti hopes to have him back for the Haiti game on 20 June. There's controversy too — Gary Neville branded the VAR handling in the frantic finish of Qatar-Switzerland 'ridiculous'.

Eyes already turn to tonight, when Groups E and F take the stage. At 7pm Italian time Germany open against surprise package Curaçao, the smallest nation ever to reach a World Cup; at 10pm the Netherlands face Japan in Dallas. Overnight, at 1am Ivory Coast meet Ecuador in Philadelphia, and at 4am Sweden close things out against Tunisia in Monterrey. We're back tomorrow at dawn: enjoy the Cup.

TransferBeat aggregates transfer news citing the original sources. Developing story.