SEATTLE — Bosnia and Herzegovina, a nation of just three million people, have reached the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in their history.
An 18-year-old’s moment of magic, a veteran’s poise, and a late insurance goal combined to produce a 3-1 victory over Qatar at Lumen Field, securing Bosnia’s place among the best third-placed teams and a ticket to the Round of 32.
The Boy Wonder
In the 29th minute, Alajbegovic — 18 years old, making only his second World Cup appearance — collected the ball on the edge of the box, danced past two Qatari defenders, and unleashed a curling strike that flew into the top corner. It was the kind of goal that announces a career.
Seven minutes later, Edin Dzeko, the 38-year-old captain playing in what is almost certainly his final World Cup, doubled the lead. A left-wing cross found him at the far post, and his shot deflected off a defender and in.
Qatar’s Resistance
Hassan Al-Haydos pulled one back for Qatar in the 43rd minute, converting from close range after Akram Afif’s cross caused chaos in the Bosnian box. But Mahmic’s 80th-minute strike from a short corner routine sealed the win.
Group B Final Standings
| Pos | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Switzerland | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 3 | +4 | 7 |
| 2 | Canada | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 8 | 3 | +5 | 4 |
| 3 | Bosnia | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 6 | -1 | 4 |
| 4 | Qatar | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 10 | -8 | 1 |
Sources: Xinhua, NewsX, Sohu
