Bosnia-Herzegovina defeated Qatar 3-2 in their Group B finale, inching closer to a historic first World Cup knockout stage appearance. With four points, the European side is well positioned to advance as one of the eight best third-placed teams.
Qatar, meanwhile, exits at the group stage for the second consecutive World Cup, echoing their fate as hosts four years ago.
Goals from Kerim Alajbegovic—at 18, the youngest Bosnian World Cup player ever—and an own goal by Qatar goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada gave the Europeans control. But Qatar made it tense when Hassan Alhaydos, their most-capped player at 35, pulled one back just before halftime.
Ermin Mahmic sealed the win with an 80th-minute strike, his second goal in as many games in the tournament.
From the opening whistle, Bosnia pressed hard, testing Abunada twice in the first four minutes. He first saved a powerful shot from Ermedin Demirovic, then parried Ivan Sunjic's effort.
Bosnia's dominance finally paid off, but the opener came not from 40-year-old legend Edin Dzeko but from teenage left-winger Alajbegovic. The youngster dribbled past two defenders and unleashed a long-range effort that left Abunada helpless.
Dzeko, playing his 150th international match, grew into the game and played a key role in the second goal five minutes later. His shot deflected off defender Al-Brake and goalkeeper Abunada before crossing the line.
Bosnia's momentum dipped in the heat, and Alhaydos rewarded coach Julen Lopetegui's faith by scoring in the 42nd minute. Bosnia's defense nearly paid dearly when Pedro Miguel's shot hit the post in stoppage time.
Alhaydos' World Cup—and possibly his illustrious international career—ended in tears as he left the field injured in the 55th minute.
Chances were scarce until Esmir broke from the right and almost scored, but Abunada saved. Bosnia's frustration turned to joy when Mahmic found the net, the 21-year-old ripping off his shirt in celebration, unfazed by the yellow card.
