SERRAVALLE, San Marino – Bosnia and Herzegovina extended their perfect start to World Cup qualifying with a ruthless 6-0 victory over 10-man San Marino on Saturday, setting up a crucial top-of-the-group clash with Austria.
The match turned decisively in the 17th minute when San Marino captain Alessandro Golinucci was sent off for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity. Benjamin Tahirović broke the deadlock just four minutes later with a long-range effort that found its way past goalkeeper Edoardo Colombo.
Despite dominating possession with 69% of the ball in the first half, Bosnia struggled to add to their lead until a second-half onslaught. Veteran striker Edin Džeko struck twice in two minutes – first tapping home from close range in the 70th minute before curling in his 70th international goal from outside the box.
The floodgates opened late as Samed Baždar, 17-year-old debutant Kerim Alajbegović, and Nihad Mujakić all found the net in the final nine minutes to complete the comprehensive victory.
The result maintains Bosnia’s perfect record through four qualifying matches and keeps them level on points with group leaders Austria, whom they face on Tuesday in a match that could decide early control of the qualifying group. For San Marino, the defeat extends their winless run in World Cup qualifying and leaves them bottom of the group.
