Group B opened action today with Canada drawing Bosnia and Herzegovina 1-1 in Toronto, after a late strike by Cyle Larin in the 78th minute.
Canada started the match with the intensity you would expect of a home nation, but the game slowed as both sides settled in.
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Sead Kolašinac played a perfect pass to the corner, and Jovo Lukic made no mistake from directly in front, making it 1-0 Bosnia. Canada struggled early on defending against set pieces, something Bosnia has thrived on under Sergej Barbarez.
Canada carried the majority of the play for the rest of the half, with 66% possession to Bosnia’s 34%. The quality wasn’t there for Canada, however, with their only real chance coming from Jonathan David off a misplayed pass by Bosnia.
The second half started with great looks for both sides, with Richie Laryea hitting the crossbar off Canada’s best passing play of the match.
Larin brought the Toronto crowd back to life with Canada’s first goal of the tournament as he struck a Promise David feed perfectly past Nikola Vasilj from just inside the box. Two late-game Canadian substitutes coming up big for Jesse Marsch, as both Larin and Promise David came into the game late.
Canada pushed for the late winner, but couldn’t penetrate Bosnia’s defense. The home crowd left pleased, as Canada earned its first point in World Cup history and controlled 60% of possession.
Host country Canada will face Qatar on Thursday at 9 p.m., as superstar Alphonso Davies looks to make his return from injury.
Bosnia and Herzegovina will face the favorite to take Group B, Switzerland, on Thursday at 2 p.m.
