Bosnia and Herzegovina defeated Qatar 3 1 to register their first FIFA World Cup victory in 12 years, but their hopes of reaching the Round of 32 depend on other results….reports London Daily News desk
Bosnia and Herzegovina recorded their first FIFA World Cup victory in 12 years with a 3 1 win over Qatar in their final Group B fixture, keeping alive their hopes of reaching the Round of 32.
The victory saw Sergej Barbarez’s side finish third in the group behind Switzerland and Canada. However, Bosnia must now wait for the remaining group stage matches to determine whether they qualify as one of the tournament’s best third placed teams.
Qatar, meanwhile, bowed out of the competition at the bottom of Group B with one point. Although they failed to progress, they improved on their performance as hosts at the 2022 World Cup, where they lost all three group matches.
Bosnia’s previous World Cup victory had come against Iran during the 2014 tournament in Brazil, a match they also won 3 1 on the final day of the group stage.
The Bosnians dominated the opening stages in Seattle and repeatedly tested Qatar goalkeeper Mahmud Abunada before eventually breaking the deadlock through teenage sensation Kerim Alajbegovic.
The 18 year old, already his country’s youngest ever World Cup player, produced a moment of brilliance as he cut inside from the left, beat two defenders and curled a superb right footed effort into the top corner.
Bosnia doubled their advantage soon afterwards with the help of an own goal. Edin Dzeko’s powerful half volley struck defender Sultan Al Brake before the ball deflected off goalkeeper Abunada and into the net.
Qatar responded before half time to reduce the deficit. Edmilson Junior delivered a low cross from the left and captain Hassan Al Haydos arrived inside the penalty area to finish from close range and give his side renewed hope.
After the interval, Qatar pushed forward in search of an equaliser, with coach Julen Lopetegui introducing all time leading scorer Almoez Ali in an attempt to inspire a comeback.
Despite Qatar’s improved attacking display, Bosnia regained control and secured the result late in the match.
Substitute Ermin Mahmic effectively ended the contest when his shot took a decisive deflection before finding the back of the net to restore Bosnia’s two goal advantage.
The victory keeps Bosnia’s World Cup campaign alive for now, although their progression depends on results elsewhere before the final knockout line up is confirmed.
For Qatar, the defeat marked the end of their tournament, but their solitary point represented an improvement on their debut World Cup campaign four years ago.
