SEATTLE, USA, Jun 25 – Bosnia-Herzegovina boosted their hopes of reaching the knockout stages of the World Cup for a first ever time by defeating Qatar in their final Group B fixture.
They finished level on four points with co-hosts Canada, but had to settle for third place due to their head-to-head record.
That meant they missed out on automatic qualification for the last 32, but could still progress as one of the best eight third-placed teams in the tournament.
Temperatures touched 29C on Wednesday in Seattle, but Bosnia began with intent as Ermedin Demirovic and Ivan Sunjic forced Qatar goalkeeper Mahmud Abunada into sprawling saves from distance inside three minutes.
It was through another effort from range that Sergej Barbarez’s side broke the deadlock in the 29th minute as 18-year-old Kerim Alajbegovic drifted past two Qatari defenders before unleashing a thunderous right-footed strike past Abunada.
The Bosnian supporters, who were out in force, were elated as their 40-year-old captain Edin Dzeko, making his 150th appearance for the country, played a key role in their side’s second goal six minutes later.
His volleyed effort struck Sultan Al Brake to sneak in past Abunada, who was credited with an unlucky own goal.
Dzeko, who holds the record for most goals and appearances for Bosnia, almost made it 3-0 four minutes later, but his low drive hit the post.
Qatar, though, had their chances and captain Hassan Al-Haydos gave them hope when he bundled in a cross from Edmilson Jr to halve the deficit three minutes from break.
The Asian champions finished the half strongly as Pedro Miguel also struck the post after being played through by Akram Afif.
Afif also brushed the side-netting early in the second half as Qatar posed a threat on counter-attacks, although the Maroons lacked a cutting edge, despite sending on prolific scorer Almoez Ali for the final 20 minutes.
Bosnia defended well and wrapped up the victory in the 80th minute when Ermin Mahmic came of the bench to score for the second successive game as he beat Abunada after latching on to a loose ball in the Qatar box.
It was only Bosnia’s second win in the World Cup after a 3-1 victory against Iran in their debut campaign in 2014.
They now face an anxious wait for other results to determine whether they will play in the next round, while Qatar finished bottom of the group on one point.
What’s next for these teams?
While Qatar are out after finishing bottom of the group again in their second World Cup, Bosnia-Herzegovina – if they are confirmed as one of the eight best third-placed teams across the 12 groups – could face either co-hosts United States on Thursday, 1 July (01:00 BST) or Germany on Monday, 29 June (21:30) in the knockout stage.
