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Bosnia and Herzegovina kept their World Cup hopes alive with a 3-1 victory over Qatar in their final Group B match on Wednesday, but must now wait to learn whether they will qualify for the knockout stage as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.
The Bosnians finished on four points, level with Canada, but settled for third place due to an inferior head-to-head record. Qatar ended their campaign bottom of the group with just one point.
Teenage midfielder Kerim Alajbegovic gave Bosnia the lead in the 29th minute with a stunning long-range strike after weaving past two defenders. Six minutes later, Edin Dzeko played a key role in Bosnia’s second goal as his effort deflected into the net for an own goal credited to goalkeeper Mahmud Abunada.
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Qatar responded before the break when captain Hassan Al Haydos converted Edmilson Junior’s cross to reduce the deficit and keep the contest alive.
The Asian champions pushed for an equaliser in the second half, but Bosnia remained composed and wrapped up victory in the 80th minute. Substitute Ermin Mahmic pounced on a loose ball inside the box and fired home his second goal in consecutive matches.
The victory marked only Bosnia’s second-ever World Cup win and preserved their hopes of reaching the knockout stage for the first time in the nation’s history. Qatar, meanwhile, exited the tournament after another disappointing group-stage campaign.
