Bosnia and Herzegovina took a 2-1 lead into half-time against Qatar in Seattle as an explosive five-minute spell shifted the Group B contest. Kerim Alajbegovic opened the scoring before Bosnia doubled their advantage, but Hassan Al-Haydos pulled one back to keep Qatar in the contest.
Both teams entered the match needing a result to strengthen their chances of reaching the knockout stage and Bosnia carried greater attacking threat during the opening half.
Bosnia pushed high up the pitch and forced Qatar into mistakes. The pressure finally paid off in the 29th minute when 18-year-old Alajbegovic drove through several defenders and unleashed a powerful strike into the top corner. Mahmud Abunada had no chance.
Bosnia struck again five minutes later. Edin Dzeko drifted into space at the far post and tried to play the ball back into the middle. The delivery took a touch off Ahmed Al-Brake and ended in the Qatar net.
Dzeko nearly added a third goal minutes later. The Bosnia captain timed his run perfectly but watched his effort strike the inside of the post.
Qatar struggled to create chances for much of the half but punished Bosnia when space opened up. Edmilson worked the ball across the area and Al-Haydos arrived at the back post to tap home his 40th international goal.
Pedro Miguel almost levelled the match before the break after Akram Afif released him with a first-time pass. His effort flashed across goal and crashed against the post.
Bosnia still hold the lead, but Qatar finished the half with momentum and have forced their way back into the match.
