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By Tyler Erzberger
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Group B is over and done with at the World Cup, and Bosnia-Herzegovina (barring a catastrophe in the coming days) have advanced to the Round of 32 where they'll play the United States of America next week in the Bay Area.
For a team that knocked out Italy to just make it to North America and now on the verge of their first-ever qualification to the second round, they have to get a passing grade, right?
Let's dive in.
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Expectation
Before the World Cup began, I had Bosnia as a team that were going to grind out games and hope to find results where they could in their three group stage games. While they aren't the flashiest, they had experience in the roster mixed with some good, young talent, and there was definite confidence after taking out Italy in shocking fashion.
While it would be difficult to get points against Switzerland or Canada, they would have a golden chance of advancing if they could beat up one of the perceived weakest teams of the tournament in Qatar in their finale.
Reality
Bosnia did better than I thought they'd do, even if maybe the play wasn't as sharp as I would have hoped. Canada dictated the pace and control in the opener, but Bosnia scored an early goal and were close to winning the game before the hosts tied it late. They then held on for a long while against Switzerland before ultimately buckling under the pressure, having a player sent off, and succumbing to a 4-1 blowout.
Finally, though, in their must-win game, Bosnia did just that. It wasn't pretty, with Qatar actually leaving the 1-3 loss with more expected goals, but only the scoreboard matters. That's how this team does it. It's not glamorous or stylish, but through tireless work and some bounces here or there, Bosnia gets the job done.
Regardless of what happens against the Americans in the Round of 32, this tournament has been a massive success for Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Final Grade: B+
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