Bosnia and Herzegovina strengthened their World Cup progression hopes on Wednesday with a commanding 3-1 victory over Qatar in a Group B encounter.
The result leaves Bosnia and Herzegovina in third place and well positioned to advance to the round of 32 under the expanded format, where the eight best third place finishers across 12 groups qualify. A potential knockout opponent would likely be one of the co hosts, including the United States.
If Bosnia and Herzegovina progress, it would mark a first ever knockout appearance at the World Cup, having only featured once before in 2014 in Brazil.
The breakthrough came in the 29th minute when 18 year old Kerim Alajbegovic fired past Qatar goalkeeper Mahmud Abunada from 20 yards to give Bosnia and Herzegovina the lead.
The advantage was doubled five minutes later. Sead Kolasinac delivered a cross to the back post, where a volley from Edin Dzeko was deflected in for an own goal by Qatar defender Sultan Al Brake.
Hassan Al Haydos pulled one back in the 42nd minute to keep Qatar competitive before half time.
Bosnia and Herzegovina restored control in the second half when Ermin Mahmic added a third goal in the 80th minute, his second of the tournament after scoring previously against Switzerland.
Qatar midfielder Assim Madibo was earlier handed a five match ban following a tackle that broke the leg of Canada midfielder Ismael Kone in their earlier match.
In the other Group A fixture, Canada lost to Switzerland, leaving the co hosts second in the standings and set to travel to the United States for their round of 32 match.
Faridah AbdulkadiriÂ
