A superb individual goal from Kerim Alajbegovic put Bosnia-Herzegovina in a strong position to reach the knockout rounds of a World Cup for the first time as they took a 2-1 lead against Qatar.Both Bosnia and Qatar headed into their Group B finale in Seattle with just a point apiece following chastening defeats in the second round of fixtures, but both knew a win would give them an excellent chance of progression to the round of 32 as one of the eight best third-placed finishers.And Bosnia went into the interval with a slight edge, though they will feel that the points could have been all wrapped up.Sergej Barbarezs side dominated the early going, but it took a special goal from Red Bull Salzburg teenager Alajbegovic to break the deadlock in the 29th minute.The 18-year-old jinked past two defender before letting fly with a swerving effort from just outside the area, leaving Qatar goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada with no chance.Bosnia then looked to be in complete command five minutes later when Sultan Al-Brake deflected Edin Dzekos attempted lay-off from a deep cross beyond the helpless Abunada.Dzeko should to have put the game to bed when he surged through the heart of a suspect Qatar defence, only to see his effort cannon off the post.The 40-year-olds profligacy was punished as Qatar captain Hassan Al-Haydos halved the deficit by slotting home from Edmilson Juniors pull back.Qatar would have levelled had the woodwork not come to Bosnias aid, Pedro Miguel denied by the left-hand post as the 2022 hosts finished the half the stronger. Topics 2026 FIFA World Cup Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team Qatar National Football Team Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Iran allege harassment of captain and assistant coach by U.S. authorities in latest World Cup travel disruption Nicholas McGee 24th June, 2026 Switzerland v Canada: Confirmed line-ups for battle for Group B top spot Nicholas McGee 24th June, 2026 Bosnia-Herzegovina v Qatar: Confirmed line-ups as Group B foes seek to avoid early exit Nicholas McGee 24th June, 2026 Neymar: World Cup 2026 playing schedule, fixtures, results, kick off times, confirmed injury news updates, full Brazil squad Ben Miller 24th June, 2026 Japan v Sweden: World Cup 2026 line-ups, stats and preview, TV channel, live online stream and prediction Ben Miller 24th June, 2026 Curacao v Ivory Coast: World Cup 2026 line-ups, stats and preview, TV channel, live online stream and prediction Ben Miller 24th June, 2026
