Bosnia beats Qatar to reach World Cup knockout stages for the first time

Bosnia-Herzegovina made history by reaching the knockout stages of the World Cup for the first time. They beat Qatar 3-1 in their last Group B match on Wednesday.

Bosnia ended the group stage with four points. Later, FIFA confirmed that they are one of the best eight third-placed teams to move on to the last 32.

Qatar, on the other hand, exits the tournament at the group stage once again. Four years ago, they left without a point. This time, they return home with one point.

The goals for Bosnia came from 18-year-old Kerim Alajbegovic, who is their youngest World Cup player. An own goal by Qatar’s goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada also helped. Bosnia seemed to have control of the game.

But Qatar fought back when 35-year-old Hassan al-Haydos, their most capped player, scored just before halftime.

Ermin Mahmic secured the win for Bosnia when he scored in the 80th minute. This was his second goal in consecutive matches.

Bosnia started strong, putting pressure on Abunada within the first four minutes. Ermedin Demirovic had a fierce shot that Abunada saved, followed by a shot from Ivan Sunjic that Abunada tipped away.

Bosnia’s hard work paid off but it was not Edin Dzeko, their 40-year-old star, who scored first. Instead, it was the talented teenager Alajbegovic who broke the deadlock.

Alajbegovic scored a stunning goal from outside the box after beating two defenders. His teammates surrounded him in celebration, and he enjoyed the moment by putting a finger to his lips.

Dzeko, playing his 150th match, was involved in the second goal just five minutes later. His shot took a deflection off al-Brake and then off Abunada into the net.

Dzeko was finding his rhythm and moments later, his shot hit the post after getting past Abunada. Bosnia’s early energy faded as the game went on.

Al-Haydos, showing experience, scored for Qatar in the 42nd minute after a mistake by the Bosnian defense. In stoppage time, Pedro Miguel’s shot hit the post, keeping Bosnia in the lead.

Al-Haydos’s World Cup journey ended sadly as he left the game injured in the 55th minute. He walked off the pitch looking upset.

Chances were limited for both teams until Esmir came close to scoring, but Abunada saved it and sent it out for a corner.

Bosnia's frustration turned to joy when Mahmic scored, celebrating by ripping off his shirt despite getting a yellow card for it.