SEATTLE, United States, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Bosnia and Herzegovina goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj said "today was all about the result" after a 3-1 victory over Qatar on Wednesday sent his side into the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for the first time as one of the eight best third-placed teams.
"It means a lot. It's a historical moment for us," he said. "It never happened before. But today was all about getting the result."
Bosnia and Herzegovina collected four points in Group B, level with Canada, which lost to leader Switzerland, but finished third on inferior goal difference. FIFA later confirmed Bosnia and Herzegovina has advanced to the round of 32 in the expanded 48-team competition.
"Maybe we didn't play our best football," Vasilj noted. "But it's important that this team can still win difficult games. There are no easy matches at the World Cup."
Kerim Alajbegovic, 18, wrote his own piece of history, becoming the youngest player from his country to score at a World Cup and the eighth-youngest goalscorer in tournament history with the opening goal in the 3-1 win over Qatar. However, the teenager remained humble, saying "I couldn't have done it without my teammates."
Asked about a possible meeting with co-host United States, Alajbegovic showed little hesitation.
"The United States is a very good team with many good players, but we are also a good team," he said. "We believe we can compete with everyone. We are not afraid of anyone." ■
