Canada and Bosnia share the spoils as Larin rescues hosts with late equaliser

Toronto: Substitute Cyle Larin struck shortly after coming on to pull Canada level and secure a 1-1 draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina in their Group B opener on Friday, giving the World Cup co-hosts their first-ever point at football’s showpiece.

Before a packed crowd at Toronto Stadium, Bosnia took the lead in the 21st minute when Jovo Lukic converted a flick-on from a corner for his first international goal. Canada pushed back and created several chances but were unable to convert for long stretches, with Jonathan David — the nation’s all-time top scorer — firing straight at goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj from a promising position.

Canada threatened again after the break, most notably in the 53rd minute when Richie Laryea burst through and seemed set to score until Sead Kolasinac produced a goal-line clearance that deflected the ball onto the crossbar. Bosnia then had a chance to extend their lead, but Maxime Crepeau — making his first World Cup appearance after missing the 2022 tournament due to a broken leg — produced a timely save to keep his side in contention.

Coach Jesse Marsch’s substitutions altered the game’s momentum. Larin, introduced in the 76th minute, needed only two minutes to make an impact. He collected the ball inside the box, turned sharply and fired a right-footed effort that took a deflection and crossed the line in the 78th minute, sparking wild celebrations among the red-clad home crowd. The strike was also the first World Cup goal ever scored by Canada on home soil.

“It was special for me. I was ready to come and help the team,” Larin said. “I thought the goals would come. I score when Canada needs me, and always have done.”

Canada coach Marsch credited his bench for shifting the game. “The subs came on and made a big difference. The tempo got higher, and we could see that they were fading,” he said. “So, I told them that we've got them now. It's time to put your foot on the jugular and go for the goal.”

Bosnia defender Tarik Muharemovic reflected on the narrow loss, noting the fine margins in tournament football. “In the last seconds you could get a goal from Canada. But if you fight till the end, nothing can happen. I think we just have to keep going,” he said.

The result ends Canada’s run of World Cup losses — they had been defeated in all six of their previous tournament matches across 1986 and 2022 — and hands them their first point in the competition. While the draw will boost morale, Canada may rue missed opportunities given their control for long periods of the match.

Right back Alistair Johnston praised the team’s resilience after going behind. “I’m just really proud of this group. We easily could have folded once we conceded that first one and let our heads drop. But no, we came out in the second half with another level, and we reached it. We really took a hold of the game.”

Bosnia will face group favorites Switzerland in Los Angeles on June 18, while Canada travel to Vancouver to meet Qatar later that day as both teams continue their Group B campaigns.

(Inputs from IANS)