Canada 1-1 Bosnia: Larin 78; Lukic 21
In their opening game of the tournament in Toronto, hosts Canada seemed to be headed for a defeat against Bosnia until Cyle Larin’s late equaliser secured a 1-1 draw.
There was actually much to be pleased with as Jesse Marsch’s side controlled possession, created the better chances and spent a decent part of the evening in Bosnia’s half, but for long periods it seemed their European opponents might get away with only their second-ever World Cup win.
Bosnia scored first midway through the opening half after Jovo Lukic, handed a start with veteran forward Edin Dzeko not fully fit, met a flicked header from captain Sead Kolasinac following a corner and guided the ball into the net from close range.
The goal silenced a home crowd that had arrived in celebratory mood. Canada’s first World Cup match on home soil had been heralded by a colourful pre-match ceremony and a lively atmosphere.
But on the pitch there was little enough happening to greatly trouble Bosnia’s Nikola Vasilj. Jonathan David had the best opportunity before Bosnia’s opener when he ran onto a loose ball inside the penalty area, only to sky his effort.
Bosnia were content to absorb pressure and threaten on the break, their compact defensive shape frustrating Canada. Kolasinac came to the rescue when Richie Laryea appeared certain to score after Canada had carved Bosnia open, but the defender somehow diverted the goal-bound effort onto the crossbar before the danger was cleared.
Canada kept probing but coach Jesse Marsch had seen enough by the final half-hour, and he brought on Promise David, Jacob Shaffelburg and Ali Ahmed to add fresh legs to the attack. Larin came on 15 minutes later and had an almost immediate impact.
Ismael Kone drove forward through midfield before finding Promise David, who cleverly guided the ball into the striker’s path. Larin turned and fired, and Canada were level.
