Co-hosts Canada secured their first-ever FIFA World Cup point after substitute Cyle Larin struck a late equaliser to salvage a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina in their Group B opener at Toronto Stadium on Saturday.
The result is historic for Canada. It ended a six-match losing streak in World Cup finals and gave the co-hosts their first-ever point on football's grandest stage.
Match Highlights
Bosnia and Herzegovina were the better side in the opening exchanges, looking threatening from every set-piece. After Amar Memic's early effort sailed over the bar, the Dragons broke the deadlock through Jovo Lukic, who headed home after Sead Kolasinac flicked on a corner to silence the home crowd.
Canada, however, refused to buckle. Jonathan David went close but was denied by an alert Nikola Vasilj, while Tani Oluwaseyi spurned a glorious chance, blazing over from close range.
Second Half Revival
The hosts came out with renewed intent after the break. Oluwaseyi nearly levelled with a header that was blocked on the line, and Kolasinac then produced a crucial goal-line clearance to deny Richie Laryea after a slick move involving stand-in captain Stephen Eustaquio. At the other end, goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau kept Canada alive with a sharp save from Ermedin Demirovic.
Coach Jesse Marsch's decision to turn to the bench proved to be a masterstroke. Larin, a veteran striker with an eye for the big occasion, did not disappoint.
"It was special for me. I was ready to come and help the team. I score when Canada needs me, and always have done," said Larin, who scored in the 78th minute, just two minutes after he was substituted in.
Larin nearly completed a stunning comeback deep in stoppage time, only to be denied by Tarik Muharemovic.
Group B Outlook
Canada now carry a precious point and plenty of momentum into their remaining Group B fixtures. Canada face Qatar in matchday 2 on 18 June while Bosnia have to deal with the challenge from group favorites Switzerland.
