Bosnia and Herzegovina goals: Alajbegovic (29), Abunada (OG 34), Mahmic (82) Qatar goals: Al-Haydos (42)
have strengthened their case for a place in the last 32 of the with a 3-1 win over in Seattle. Sergej Barbarez's team finished third in Group B behind section winners Switzerland and Canada, with confirmation of the next stage to come at the end of Matchday three.
It was a dominant start from the Bosnians with Qatar goalkeeper Mahmud Abunada called into action on several occasions in the opening stages. The pressure paid off for the Dragons when 18-year-old Kerim Alajbegovic lit up Seattle with a solo goal fitting of a World Cup. The teenager, who is his nation's youngest-ever World Cup player, cut inside, beat two Qatar players and fired a right-footed shot into the top corner.
Bosnia and Herzegovina, captained by Edin Dzeko on his 150th appearance, then doubled their lead through an own goal from Abunada. Dzeko's half volley struck left-back Sultan Al-Brake on the thigh, with the ball subsequently spinning in off the helpless goalkeeper.
It was a commanding lead, but Qatar did strike to halve the scoreline before the break with Edmilson Junior pulling a ball back from the left for captain Hassan Al-Haydos to slam home from close range.
Qatar pushed for an equaliser after the break with Julen Lopetegui introducing the country's all-time record scorer Almoez Ali into the fray midway through the half. It wasn't to be, though, as Bosnia and Herzegovina confirmed the possibility of knockout football when substitute Ermin Mahmic's deflected shot found it's way into the net.
Qatar exit the tournament after the group stage, while the Europeans will await to find out their possible knockout-stage fate.
Bosnia and Herzegovina's only previous World Cup victory came against IR Iran at Brazil 2014. That match also came on Matchday 3, and also finished 3-1.
Kerim Alajbegovic (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
"We wanted to make history, but we didn’t know we’d get this so far. It goes without saying that we always aim to do our best, and we’re proud of what we’ve achieved so far. I’ve received so many messages from people in Bosnia – it’s wonderful. It’ll be brilliant to celebrate with the fans when we get back. We’ll realise it very soon – there are no words to describe how happy I am right now." Sergej Barbarez, Bosnia and Herzegovina coach
Sources: FIFA Official
