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The first FIFA World Cup match on Canadian soil produced drama, dread and, most importantly, a point.
Canada’s historic World Cup home game is now behind us and has almost become a national wake. Bosnia and Herzegovina opened the scoring in the 21st minute thanks to forward Jovo Lukic, who headed his first international goal from close range after Sead Kolašinac’s shot from a corner kick.
For an hour, around 43,000 fans at Toronto Stadium watched a familiar nightmare. Then, Cyle Larin’s equalizer in the 78th minute rescued a 1-1 draw and the first point in Canadian men’s World Cup history.
Here are four takeaways from the match.
1. Bosnia can cause problems
Those who saw Bosnia and Herzegovina eliminate Italy on penalties in the playoffs already know that they are a well-organized team with young talent. There is real technical ability throughout the midfield and in attack. Benjamin Tahirovic dictates the pace, while Esmir Bajraktarević plays with swagger. The defense is anchored by Tarik Muharemovic, perhaps the most underrated centre-back of this World Cup: composed in possession, ruthless in duels, never rushed.
Canada threw everything at this defensive line and continued to find bodies: Nikola Katic cleared Tani Oluwaseyi’s header off the line and Kolašinac deflected Richie Laryea’s shot onto the crossbar.
This team feels like it’s playing with the house’s money after defying the odds and beating Italy in the World Cup qualifying playoff final.
2. Cyle Larin, of all people
(Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Getty Images)
Write this down, because it will be the answer to a pub quiz forever: Larin had been on the court for two minutes when he turned and fired a shot wide into the bottom corner, becoming the second Canadian to score in a men’s World Cup. The first was Alphonso Davies, who watched this one from the bench.
Larin’s redemption arc is almost too crazy: he lost his starting job to Tani Oluwaseyi, hadn’t scored for his country in almost two years and entered the game as an afterthought. Ninety seconds later, he scored arguably the most important goal in program history. He earned Canada’s first World Cup point after six straight losses between 1986 and 2022. History was made, courtesy of the veteran striker from Brampton, Ontario.
3. Canada misses Fonzie a lot
(Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
Alphonso Davies missed the game with a hamstring injury and his absence was felt throughout. The burden of attack fell entirely on Jonathan David, Canada’s all-time leading scorer, who was coming off a difficult debut season at Juventus. David had his golden opportunity in the 17th minute and shot straight at the goalkeeper from 12 yards. As we’ve seen time and time again this season, he got his lines wrong.
Here’s the main problem: without Davies’ electrifying pace, dribbling and directness, defenders can concentrate entirely on stopping David. Fonzie doesn’t just create; His mere presence relieves the pressure on everyone around him. Canada generated almost 70% possession and a mountain of corners.
Sure, the team was also unlucky, but it could have been a different story with Davies on the field. Canadian medical staff will now try to earn their salaries.
4. Mathematics of group B
(Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images)
According to the bookmakers, Switzerland is the favorite of the group and Qatar is the favorite. If the odds are correct, this would be a de facto final for second place in the group. A draw keeps both teams alive and solves nothing. Switzerland and Qatar meet on Saturday, and once the result is known, the picture becomes clearer: if the Swiss win as expected, Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina are chasing, and Canada’s date with Switzerland becomes the kind of game that defines a generation.
What was encouraging for Marsch was the performance. Canada created enough to win this twice. The worrying thing is that creation and conversion do not go hand in hand. Canada will have to be more clinical in front of goal. This group lacks an elite superpower, but the parity is undeniable.
4 ½. What’s next?
Both teams will return to action next Thursday, June 18. Bosnia and Herzegovina will play its second Group B match at Los Angeles Stadium against Switzerland, which faces Qatar on Saturday (3 p.m. ET on FOX/FOX One).
Canada, meanwhile, will face Qatar next Thursday at 6 pm ET (FS1/FOX One). The big story of that game will be whether Davies is available for selection.
