Alajbegović Wonder Strike Keeps Bosnia Hopes Alive as Qatar Exit

Bosnia and Herzegovina beat Qatar 3–1 at Seattle Stadium to finish third in Group B and keep alive their hopes of advancing as one of the best third-placed teams. Kerim Alajbegović cut inside from the left and curled a superb strike into the top corner on 29 minutes, and Edin Džeko's volley deflected off Sultan Al Brake for an own goal five minutes later before Hassan Al-Haydos pulled one back for Qatar on 42 minutes.

Ermin Mahmic settled the contest on 81 minutes after Dennis Hadžikadunić's pass, with the substitute's finish deflecting past Mahmud Abunada. Bosnia finished with 54% possession, 14 shots and five on target to Qatar's nine and three in front of 66,925 fans. Ahmed Fathi and Mahmic were booked on 78 and 82 minutes as Julen Lopetegui's side were eliminated with one point from three games.

Bosnia and Herzegovina end Group B on four points, level with Canada but behind on goal difference. Sergej Barbarez's side must wait to learn whether their tally is enough for a last-32 berth, while Qatar finish bottom after conceding ten goals across the group stage.