Bosnia beat Qatar 3-1 in Group B as Dzeko marks 150th cap and Alajbegovic sparkles; Qatar exit World Cup without a win

Bosnia and Herzegovina secured a likely place in the last 32 with a 3-1 victory over Qatar at Seattle Stadium on Wednesday evening. The result moves the Balkan side to four points in Group B, third behind Switzerland and co-hosts Canada, while Qatar finish the tournament without a win.

Dzeko's milestone and Bosnia's fast start

Captain Edin Dzeko, aged 40, led the side on his 150th appearance for Bosnia, becoming the country's record appearance maker. Coach Sergej Barbarez had promised a more offensive approach after a 4-1 defeat by Switzerland and his team delivered from the opening whistle. Within four minutes, goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada was forced to tip away fierce efforts from Ermedin Demirovic and Ivan Sunjic.

It's not going to be a match of long balls and defending. It will be two teams that will have to fight to win.

Alajbegovic's stunner and own goal give Bosnia control

The breakthrough came in the 29th minute through 18-year-old Kerim Alajbegovic, Bosnia's youngest ever World Cup player. Picking up possession on the edge of the area, he weaved past two defenders and curled an unstoppable right-footed shot into the top corner. Five minutes later, Dzeko played an integral role in the second. His volleyed cross from the back post took a wicked deflection off Qatar defender Sultan Al-Brake and then goalkeeper Abunada, bouncing into the net for an own goal.

Qatar fightback and Al-Haydos farewell

Qatar, who had spent most of the first half on the back foot, suddenly found a foothold. Hassan Al-Haydos, the country's most-capped player with 188 appearances, tapped home from close range in the 42nd minute to reduce the deficit. Pedro Miguel almost levelled the score in added time, his shot striking the far post. Al-Haydos's tournament ended in tears when he limped off injured in the 55th minute, possibly his final World Cup appearance.

It made us actually feel hope, as if we were playing in Qatar, not in the U.S. And God willing, we will try to give back at least one small part, one very modest part of what they have been giving to us along the way.

Mahmic seals it and Bosnia wait

With the score still poised, substitute Ermin Mahmic prodded in the third goal in the 80th minute to settle Bosnian nerves. Dzeko had earlier hit the post and was later substituted, visibly unhappy to leave the pitch with the match still tight. Bosnia now await confirmation of their place among the eight best third-placed teams, while Qatar depart the tournament still chasing their first World Cup finals victory.