Bosnia flew out of the blocks as soon as the whistle went, testing goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada twice inside the first four minutes.

First Abunada denied Ermedin Demirovic's fierce drive and then he tipped away Ivan Sunjic's shot.

Bosnia's dominance finally paid off but it was not to be 40-year-old talisman Edin Dzeko who broke the deadlock but the sublimely-talented teenage left winger Kerim Alajbegovic, the nation's youngest ever FIFA World Cup player.

Abunada was unable to do anything about Alajbegovic's screamer from outside the area in the 29th minute, after he had beaten two players.

The youngster was mobbed by his teammates and once they had trotted back to the halfway line he stood and milked the moment, putting a finger to his lips.

Dzeko, winning his 150th cap, came more and more into the game and not wishing to have his thunder stolen by the new kid on the block he played an integral role in their second five minutes later.

His shot took a wicked deflection off Sultan Al Brake and then Abunada on its way into the net.

Dzeko was well into his stride now and he broke clear a few minutes later, his shot beating Abunada but rebounding off the post.

Bosnia's earlier sprightliness dipped in the heat and it was the doyen of Qatari football Hassan Al Haydos who repaid coach Julen Lopetegui's faith in slotting home in the 42nd minute.

The Bosnian defence failed to learn from that and in time added on they had the far post to thank for keeping their noses in front as Pedro Miguel's shot came back off it.

Al Haydos's FIFA World Cup, and perhaps his distinguished international career, ended in tears as he trudged disconsolately off the pitch injured in the 55th minute.

Chances were few and far between until Esmir stole in from the right wing and came close to emulating Alajbegovic's effort but Abunada turned it away for a corner.