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Late substitute Cyle Larin scored in the 78th minute and co-host Canada earned its first point in its third World Cup appearance – and its first at home – by rallying to a 1-1 draw against Bosnia-Herzegovina on Friday.
“It was really special for me,” Larin said. “I was ready to go in and score to help the team, help the stadium and the fans to come back with us. I think we had a lot of chances and I told them the goals were going to come. I score when Canada needs me and I always have.”
Playing in the shadow of Toronto’s iconic CN Tower and in front of a sea of ”Ca-na-da!” chanting from fans that included hockey star Connor McDavid and actor Ryan Reynolds, Larin converted Promise David’s pass just two minutes after entering the game.
The goal was only the second scored by Canada in a World Cup after the team lost all three matches at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico and again four years ago in Qatar.
Injury substitute Jovo Lukic headed a corner in the 21st minute for Bosnia and Herzegovina, who are playing in their second World Cup appearance after failing to advance from the group in 2014.
Starting in place of Edin Dzeko (shoulder) and Haris Tabakovic (undisclosed), Lukic was in an ideal position to cap off a free-kick with captain Sead Kolasinac launching a header from an Ivan Basic corner. The goal was Lukic’s first for international duty and it was the 27-year-old striker’s fourth international appearance.
Despite losing its lead, the small Balkan nation of around 3 million continues to stand out on the international stage, including knocking out four-time champions Italy in the European qualifiers.
Before Larin’s goal, Canada’s best scoring chance came in the 54th minute when captain Stephen Eustaquio passed the ball to Richie Laryea in front of a wide-open net. The ball deflected off Kolasinac’s foot and hit the crossbar.
Canada was without Alphonso Davies (hamstring), who scored the country’s first World Cup goal four years ago in Qatar.
Canada will now travel to Vancouver for its final two group matches, against Qatar on June 18 and Switzerland on June 24.
The Bosnians also head west, with matches against Switzerland on June 18 in Los Angeles and Qatar on June 24 in Seattle.
Associated Press reporting.
