The young talent inspires Barbarez’s side to their first-ever World Cup victory. Qatar bows out with only one point.
Bosnia and Herzegovina finally celebrated its first victory at a FIFA World Cup, defeating Qatar 3-1 and keeping alive hopes of reaching the Round of 32 as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.
After a difficult start to their campaign, Sergej Barbarez’s side delivered its most convincing performance in Vancouver, led by a magnificent display from Kerim Alajbegovic, who confirmed his enormous potential on the biggest stage.
Bosnia gradually took control of the match and broke the deadlock in the 29th minute when Alajbegovic finished a well-worked move with a composed strike beyond Meshaal Abunada.
Five minutes later, Bosnia doubled its advantage in fortunate fashion. Dzeko’s effort struck the post and the rebound ricocheted off goalkeeper Abunada before ending up in the net for an own goal.
Qatar showed signs of life before halftime and reduced the deficit through veteran Hassan Al-Haydos, who converted from close range after Bosnia failed to clear its lines.
Lopetegui’s team pushed for an equalizer after the break but rarely troubled Vasilj. Bosnia remained dangerous on the counterattack and finally sealed the victory ten minutes from time when substitute Ermin Mahmic collected a pass from Dzeko and calmly finished to make it 3-1.
With four points, Bosnia closes Group B in third place and now awaits results from other groups to discover whether its World Cup adventure will continue.
Qatar leaves the tournament with just one point from three matches, paying a heavy price for defensive fragility and a lack of attacking creativity.
Match Report
Bosnia and Herzegovina 3-1 Qatar
Scorers:
29′ Alajbegovic (BIH)
34′ own goal Abunada (BIH)
42′ Al-Haydos (QAT)
80′ Mahmic (BIH)
Bosnia and Herzegovina (4-4-2)
Vasilj 6.5; Radeljic 6.5, Katic 6 (63′ Hadzikadunic 6), Malic 6 (45′ Tahirovic 6), Kolasinac 6.5; Bajraktarevic 6.5, Sunjic 6 (45′ Memic 6), Basic 6.5, Alajbegovic 8 (82′ Burnic sv); Demirovic 6.5, Dzeko 7 (64′ Mahmic 7).
Coach: Sergej Barbarez
Qatar (4-3-3)
Abunada 4.5; Pedro Miguel 6, Khoukhi 5.5, Laye 5.5, Al Brake 5.5; Gaber 5.5 (45′ Hatem 6), Fathy 5.5 (79′ Al Manai sv), Boudiaf 5.5 (72′ Ali 6); Al-Haydos 7 (56′ Al Ganehi 6), Afif 6, Edmilson Junior 5.5 (79′ Alaa sv).
Coach: Julen Lopetegui
Group B Final Standings
| Team | Pts | GD |
|---|---|---|
| Switzerland | 7 | +4 |
| Canada | 4 | +1 |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | 4 | 0 |
| Qatar | 1 | -5 |
Qualified: Switzerland (1st), Canada (2nd)
Waiting for best third-place ranking: Bosnia and Herzegovina
