FT: Bosnia and Herzegovina 3-1 Qatar
Bosnia and Herzegovina strengthened their hopes of reaching the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for the first time after defeating Qatar 3-1 in their final Group B match at Seattle Stadium.
Teenager Kerim Alajbegovic opened the scoring in the 29th minute with a brilliant solo goal, cutting inside past two Qatar defenders before firing a right-footed strike into the top corner.
Bosnia doubled their lead five minutes later when Qatar goalkeeper Mahmud Abunada was credited with an own goal after Edin Dzeko’s effort deflected off Sultan Al-Brake and spun into the net.
Qatar responded before half-time through captain Hassan Al-Haydos, who finished from close range after Edmilson Junior’s pull-back from the left.
The Asian side pushed for an equaliser after the break and introduced record scorer Almoez Ali, but Bosnia defended well and sealed victory in the 82nd minute through substitute Ermin Mahmic, whose deflected effort found the net.
The result saw Bosnia and Herzegovina finish third in Group B behind Switzerland and Canada. Their four-point tally was enough to confirm them among the best third-placed teams, sending them into the Round of 32.
It was only Bosnia and Herzegovina’s second World Cup victory, following their 3-1 win over IR Iran in 2014. Captain Edin Dzeko also marked a milestone by making his 150th appearance for the national team.
Bosnia coach Sergej Barbarez said the achievement was a proud moment for the country.
“We wanted to make history,” Barbarez said. “We are proud of what we have achieved so far. I have received so many messages from people in Bosnia. There are no words to describe how happy I am right now.”
Qatar exit the tournament bottom of Group B with one point, while Bosnia and Herzegovina now turn their attention to the knockout stage.
