Bosnia beat Qatar to stay in hunt for World Cup knockouts

Bosnia-Herzegovina kept their World Cup campaign alive with a 3-1 win over Qatar in their final Group B match, AFP reported. The result put Bosnia on four points and left them well placed to compete for one of the eight third-place berths in the round of 32.

Qatar were eliminated at the group stage, matching their exit four years earlier when they hosted the tournament, according to AFP. Bosnia, meanwhile, moved close to a first appearance in the World Cup knockout rounds.

The match in Seattle turned early in Bosnia’s favor. AFP reported that Bosnia forced Qatar goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada into two saves in the opening four minutes, first from Ermedin Demirovic and then from Ivan Sunjic.

Bosnia’s breakthrough came from 18-year-old Kerim Alajbegovic, the country’s youngest World Cup player, according to AFP. Alajbegovic beat two defenders and scored from outside the area, giving Abunada no chance.

Bosnia added a second goal five minutes later. AFP reported that Edin Dzeko, making his 150th international appearance, had a major role in the move, with his shot deflecting off al-Brake and then Abunada before going into the net as an own goal.

Dzeko nearly scored himself soon after when he broke through and beat Abunada, but his shot hit the post, AFP reported. Qatar then found a way back before halftime through Hassan Alhaydos.

Alhaydos, 35, is Qatar’s most-capped player, according to AFP. He scored in the 42nd minute after Bosnia’s early energy had dropped, cutting the deficit to 2-1.

Qatar almost drew level in added time at the end of the first half. AFP reported that Pedro Miguel’s effort struck the far post, allowing Bosnia to take a narrow lead into the break.

Alhaydos later left the match injured in the 55th minute, ending his World Cup in visible distress, AFP reported. The outlet said the moment could also mark the end of his distinguished international career.

Clear chances were limited in the second half before Bosnia threatened again through Esmir, who came in from the right and forced Abunada to turn his shot behind for a corner, according to AFP.

Ermin Mahmic settled the match in the 80th minute. AFP reported that Mahmic scored for the second straight match, poking the ball home before removing his shirt in celebration and receiving a booking.

The win leaves Bosnia waiting on the wider third-place standings to confirm whether their four-point total is enough to advance. Qatar’s defeat ends their tournament after three group-stage matches.

This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.