Benfica target scores in Bosnia–Qatar and helps knock out Lopetegui | OneFootball

Bosnia and Herzegovina beat Qatar 3-1 in the third and final matchday of World Cup Group B, a result that leaves the Balkan side in third place (Switzerland beat Canada) and knocks out the Asian team led by former Porto coach Julen Lopetegui.

The first 15 minutes did not bring much excitement. However, in the 29th minute, Kerim Alajbegovic, an 18-year-old winger linked with Benfica, cut in from left to right and, with a superb strike from outside the box, opened the scoring. The Bosnian national team grew into the game and, five minutes later, made it 2-0 after Al-Brake deflected Edin Dzeko’s pass into his own net.

In the 39th minute, Alajbegovic produced another moment of magic with a great pass to Dzeko, but the experienced striker hit the post of Abunada’s goal. After that moment, and already holding a two-goal lead, the European side switched off and allowed Qatar to grow into the game. And not even the little time left before half-time stopped the Asians from causing damage. In the 42nd minute, Pedro Ró-Ró, the Portuguese-Qatari, crossed for Edmilson Júnior, who laid it back into the middle of the box and gifted Haydos the 1-2.

The 2-1 scoreline remained until the break, and it was Qatar who started the second half with greater intensity. Lopetegui’s side added more pace to their game and looked more often for Akram Afif, the standout figure in attack, who also hit the side netting of Bosnia’s goal. However, despite some good passing moves, they struggled at times in the finishing phase.

The Asian side began to run out of steam and, following a corner, Mahmic appeared in the box to make it 3-1 in the 80th minute. Bosnia, who were without Amar Dedic, finished the group stage with four points, enough for third place in Group B, and put themselves in a good position to be one of the eight best third-placed teams and, consequently, reach the World Cup round of 32.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.