Bosnia and Herzegovina head into the halftime break with a narrow 2-1 lead over Qatar after a pulsating first half that burst into life following the hydration break.
The breakthrough came in the 29th minute when Karim-Sam Alajbegovic fired Bosnia into the lead with a composed finish, capping a spell of sustained pressure from the European side.
Just five minutes later, Bosnia doubled their advantage in fortunate fashion. Veteran striker Edin Džeko met a beautifully whipped cross into the Qatar penalty area with a powerful effort, but the ball deflected off defender Hussain Al-Brake and into the net for an own goal in the 34th minute.
Bosnia nearly made it three in the 38th minute when Džeko found space inside the box, only to see his powerful strike cannon off the goalpost.
Qatar responded positively and pulled a goal back in the 41st minute through captain Khalid Al-Haydos, who finished clinically to reduce the deficit and breathe new life into the contest.
The drama was far from over. Just at the tail end of the first half, Qatar came within inches of drawing level as Pedro Miguel unleashed a powerful effort that rattled the goalpost, denying Qatar what would have been a dramatic equaliser before the halftime whistle.
With Bosnia leading 2-1 but Qatar finishing the half strongly, the second period promises to be an enthralling battle as both sides chase a crucial result.
