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The first FIFA World Cup match on Canadian soil brought drama, fear and, above all, a point.
Canada’s historic home World Cup match is now behind us and has almost become a national story. Bosnia and Herzegovina opened the scoring in the 21st minute thanks to striker Jovo Lukic, who headed his first ever international goal from close range after Sead Kolašinac’s near-post shot from a corner.
For an hour, about 43,000 fans at Toronto Stadium witnessed a familiar nightmare. Then, Cyle Larin’s 78th-minute equalizer salvaged a 1-1 draw and Canada’s first point in men’s World Cup history.
Here are four takeaways from the match.
1. Bosnia can cause problems
Those who watched 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 tempo, while Esmir Bajraktarević plays with swagger. The defense is anchored by Tarik Muharemovic, perhaps the most underrated central defender this World Cup – calm in possession, ruthless in duels, never in a hurry.
Canada threw everything at that backline 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 they’re playing with house 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)
Note this one, because it’s a perennial pub quiz answer: Larin had been on the field for two minutes when he spun and fired a deflected shot into the bottom corner, becoming only the second Canadian to score at a men’s World Cup. First up was Alphonso Davies, who watched this one from the bench.
Larin’s redemption arc is almost too crazy: he lost his starting spot 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 allowed Canada to score its first World Cup point after six consecutive defeats between 1986 and 2022. History was made thanks to the veteran striker from Brampton, Ontario.
3. Fonzie is greatly missed in Canada
(Photo by François Nel/Getty Images)
Alphonso Davies missed the match with a hamstring injury, and his absence was felt throughout. The offensive burden shifted entirely to Jonathan David, Canada’s all-time leading scorer, who was coming off a difficult first season at Juventus. David had his golden chance in the 17th minute and fired it straight at the goalkeeper from 12 yards. As we’ve seen time and time again this season, he fluffs his lines.
Here’s the main problem: without Davies’ electrifying pace, dribbling and directness, defenders can focus 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.
Of course, the team was unlucky either, but it could have been a different story with Davies on the pitch. Canadian medical workers will now try to earn their salaries.
4. Group B mathematics
(Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images)
According to the bookmakers, Switzerland is the favorite of the group and Qatar is in the lead. If the odds are good, 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 face off on Saturday, and once that result is achieved, the picture will become clearer: If Switzerland wins as expected, Canada and Bosnia-Herzegovina will both move on, and Canada’s date with Switzerland will become the kind of match that defines a generation.
The encouraging part for Marsch was the performance. Canada created enough to win twice. What is concerning 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?
These two teams will be back in action next Thursday, June 18. Bosnia and Herzegovina will play their second Group B match at Los Angeles Stadium against Switzerland, who face Qatar on Saturday (3 p.m. ET on FOX/FOX One).
Canada, meanwhile, will face Qatar next Thursday at 6 p.m. ET (FS1/FOX One). The big story of this match will be whether Davies is available for selection.
