Late Larin goal rescues Canada point

TDT | Manama

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Co-hosts Canada were held to a 1–1 draw by Bosnia and Herzegovina in their Group B opener at Toronto Stadium yesterday, after a match in which both sides created major chances but neither could find a winner.

Bosnia, making only their second World Cup appearance after Brazil 2014, struck first in the 21st minute through Jovo Lukić, who headed home from close range after Sead Kolašinac flicked on a corner. The well-worked set piece punished Canada’s early territorial dominance and handed the visitors a surprise lead.

Despite controlling possession and territory for long spells, Jesse Marsch’s side struggled to convert their pressure into goals in the first half. Their clearest opportunity came in the 33rd minute when Tani Oluweseyi broke into space inside the box but leaned back and volleyed over.

Bosnia went into half-time leading 1–0, having offered little from open play but proving clinical from their only real attacking routine.

Canada pushed forward immediately after the break and came close again early in the second half when Oluweseyi turned sharply in the box and forced a strong save from Nikola Vasilj. Moments later, Bosnia had a golden opportunity of their own, with Ermedin Demirović released one-on-one, only for Maxime Crépeau to make a crucial save with his foot.

The game continued to swing end-to-end. In the 54th minute, Canada struck the woodwork when Richie Laryea’s low effort was deflected onto the crossbar following slick build-up play. Moments later, Bosnia survived another scare as Hadžiahmetović cleared Oluweseyi’s header off the line from a dangerous Shaffelburg cross.

The breakthrough finally came in the 78th minute when Jonathan David combined with Ismael Kone before finding substitute Cyle Larin. Larin held off his defender and fired low into the bottom corner as the stadium erupted.

Canada pushed for a late winner, but Bosnia held firm through added pressure to secure a point from a tightly contested Group B opener.

The result leaves Canada still searching for a first World Cup win on home soil, while Bosnia will take encouragement from a disciplined defensive display and a well-taken set-piece goal.

Canada will next face Qatar on home soil on July 19 at 1:00 AM, while Bosnia will take on Switzerland a day earlier at 10:00 PM. Both times are shown in Bahrain time.