It’s a must-win match for Bosnia as they enter Wednesday’s Group B finale against Qatar in Seattle, with their destiny in their hands.
A high-scoring win for Sergej Barbarez’s team, combined with a Swiss win over Canada, would almost certainly secure runner-up status in the group.
Both nations were ousted in their previous outings, with Qatar allowing a Jonathan David hat trick en route to a 6-0 loss to the Reds.
Bosnia is looking to bounce back following its own second-half letdown in a 4-1 defeat to Switzerland.
The Dragons are -250 favorites, with the 2022 World Cup hosts, Qatar, +600 underdogs on BetMGM.
It’s been a forgetful trip to North America for Qatar, filled with defensive mishaps and costly penalties that have left Julen Lopetegui’s side limping into this one.
An already vulnerable back line that conceded six goals to Canada will be without Homam Ahmed, as he and midfielder Assim Madibo each received red cards in the loss.
The Maroons are allowing 3.5 goals per game and are extremely vulnerable, especially if Bosnia comes out looking to generate scores in space and on set pieces.
The Dragons were locked in a scoreless battle with Switzerland until the 74th minute, when Swiss super-sub Johan Mamzambi found the back of the net, shifting the momentum. Ruben Vargas also scored a few moments later, capitalizing on Tarik Muharemovic’s careless tackle attempt, which led to a red card.
Before you could blink, the Swiss emerged with a three-goal win.
Despite this late-game debacle, I have a hunch that Edin Dzeko and the Dragons know exactly what’s at stake here. Dzeko is a savvy veteran who knows how to operate in his position, and Haris Tabakovic’s return from an ankle injury should boost Bosnia’s goal-scoring opportunities.
Qatar’s attack has been nonexistent; a lowly 26 percent possession rate across two matches has me backing Bosnia’s experience to triumph here, while also leaning to an alternate over since they will aim to pile on points to catch up to Canada in goal differential.
The Play: Bosnia to win and over 3.5 combined goals to be scored (+200, BetMGM)
Mike Turay is a sports journalist and editor who closely follows the NBA, NFL, college sports and UFC. He has demonstrated expertise in both NBA and NFL player prop bets for nearly three years. Mike is also highly knowledgeable about the sportsbook offer landscape, frequently trying and reviewing the latest apps and sites.
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