Bosnia and Herzegovina beat Qatar 3-1 in Seattle and strengthened their hopes of reaching the World Cup round of 32 after finishing third in Group B. Kerim Alajbegović, an own goal from Sultan Al-Brake and a late strike from Ermin Mahmić gave Bosnia three points, while Hassan Al Haydos scored Qatar’s only goal.
Bosnia started with purpose and pushed Qatar back from the opening minutes. Ermedin Demirović and Ivan Šunjić forced Mahmud Abunada into early saves as Sergej Barbarez’s side looked to attack quickly and drive runners beyond Qatar’s defence.
The breakthrough arrived after 29 minutes and Alajbegović created it himself. The 18-year-old winger danced through challenges near the edge of the area before driving a powerful effort into the top corner. Mahmud Abunada had no route to the ball.
The goal carried extra weight. Alajbegović became Bosnia’s youngest World Cup scorer and also joined the list of the tournament’s youngest scorers overall.
Bosnia struck again five minutes later. Edin Džeko, on his 150th international appearance, delivered a dangerous ball across the face of goal. Sultan Al-Brake tried to deal with it but diverted the ball into his own net.
Qatar refused to disappear from the match. Hassan Al Haydos pulled one back before the break after Bosnia failed to clear danger inside the area. Pedro Miguel then struck the post deep into added time as Bosnia lost control for a short spell.
Qatar pushed for an equaliser after the interval and Akram Afif remained their sharpest attacking outlet. Bosnia still looked more dangerous whenever they attacked space behind the defence.
Mahmić ended Qatar’s resistance after 80 minutes. Dennis Hadžikadunić carried the ball through pressure and found the midfielder, who finished calmly to restore Bosnia’s two-goal lead.
Qatar leave the tournament without a win. Bosnia now wait for results elsewhere as they chase a first World Cup knockout appearance.
