Bosnia and Herzegovina defeats Qatar 3-1, poised to reach World Cup Round of 32 for the first time

2026 World Cup Key News

(CNA Seattle, June 24, Comprehensive Foreign News) Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) eliminated Qatar 3-1 in the final round of Group B of the World Cup today. The team accumulated 4 points after the group stage, making it highly likely to qualify as one of the eight best third-placed teams, marking their first appearance in the World Cup Round of 32.

According to Agence France-Presse, the entire Group B matches have concluded. BiH finished third in the group behind Switzerland and Canada. However, with 4 points from 1 win, 1 draw, and 1 loss, they have a strong chance of advancing to the final 32 of this tournament. The previous host, Qatar, is once again eliminated from the knockout stage.

Kerim Alajbegovic, the youngest player on the BiH team at just 18 years old, scored a goal in the 29th minute. Coupled with an own goal by Qatar's goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada, the European team BiH took a 2-0 lead.

However, Qatar's veteran player Hassan al-Haydos, 35, pulled one back for the team near the end of the first half, rekindling Qatar's hopes of advancing. But Ermin Mahmic scored for BiH in the 80th minute, his second consecutive match with a goal, leaving Qatar with no hope of a comeback.

BiH took the lead in this match, threatening Qatar's goal twice within four minutes of the whistle. However, Abunada first saved a powerful shot from Ermedin Demirovic and then thwarted an attempt by Ivan Sunjic.

BiH's offensive pressure finally paid off. The first goal was not scored by the 40-year-old inspirational leader Edin Dzeko, but by the talented young player Alajbegovic, who dribbled past two defenders outside the box and fired a shot into the net.

Today marked Dzeko's 150th international match. He did not let the newcomer steal the spotlight; five minutes later, Dzeko played a key role in the team's second goal. His powerful shot deflected off an opposing player, resulting in an own goal. A few minutes later, he broke through again, his shot beating the opposing goalkeeper but hitting the post.

BiH's momentum waned in the heat. Qatar's veteran player al-Haydos scored in the 42nd minute, repaying the trust of head coach Julen Lopetegui. However, al-Haydos' illustrious international career, along with his World Cup journey, ended sadly in the 55th minute due to injury.

Mahmic scored BiH's third goal. He took off his shirt in celebration and received a yellow card, but the 21-year-old player seemed unconcerned, as the team was assured of victory and potentially their first-ever advancement to the Round of 32. (Compiled by Qu Xiangping) 06/25/2024

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