Bosnia-Herzegovina have kept alive their dream of reaching the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time in their history, defeating Qatar 3-1 at Lumen Field in Washington before an attendance of 66,925 in the Group B finale.

The result — their first World Cup win in 12 years — lifts Bosnia to third place in Group B, level on points with second-placed Canada but separated by head-to-head record. They will now wait on results from other groups to discover whether their third-place finish earns them a spot in the last 32, where they could potentially face Germany or the United States.

Alajbegovic announces himself with a stunner

Bosnia's youngest-ever World Cup player, Kerim Alajbegovic, broke the deadlock in the 29th minute with a rocket from over 25 yards that flew past goalkeeper Abunada. The opening spell had already seen Abunada tested twice in quick succession, with Edin Dzeko among those pressing.

Five minutes after Alajbegovic's opener, the lead was doubled when a Sultan Al Brake attempted clearance deflected off the Qatar defender and past his own goalkeeper. Abunada has been credited with the own goal.

Qatar fight back before Bosnia close out the win

Qatar refused to capitulate. Hassan Al Haidous pulled one back in the 42nd minute, tapping home to give his side hope, and the momentum began shifting. Qatar twice struck the woodwork — once through Dzeko hitting the post before the interval in the 39th minute, and again when a low effort set up by Afif rattled the foot of the upright deep in first-half stoppage time.

Those near-misses ultimately proved costly. After the restart, substitute Ermin Mahmic — who had scored during Bosnia's 4-1 defeat against Switzerland — climbed to head home in the 80th minute and seal only the second World Cup victory in Bosnia-Herzegovina's history.

Qatar are eliminated from the tournament, while Bosnia-Herzegovina await their fate with cautious optimism.