Bosnia-Herzegovina defeated Qatar 3-1 in their Group B finale in Seattle on Wednesday, moving within reach of a historic first appearance in the World Cup knockout rounds.
Bosnia took the lead in the 29th minute through an 18-year-old Kerim Alajbegovic strike from outside the area. The Red Bull Salzburg forward beat two defenders before firing a swerving shot past Qatar goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada.
Five minutes later Bosnia extended their advantage when Sultan Al-Brake deflected an Edin Dzeko effort into his own net. Qatar pulled one back before half-time through captain Hassan Al-Haydos.
Emin Mahmic restored the two-goal cushion in the 80th minute. Bosnia finished with four points and are expected to advance as one of the best third-placed teams.
They are scheduled to face co-hosts United States in the San Francisco Bay Area on July 2 if qualification is confirmed.
