FIFA World Cup: Canada draw with Bosnia-Herzegovina to earn first-ever World Cup point
In the first World Cup final match played on Canadian soil, after Jovo Lukic put Bosnia ahead in the middle of the first half, Cyle Larin equalized for the home team in the 78th minute.
Canada had previously lost all two matches in the 1986 and 2022 World Cup finals.
Lukic’s goal from a corner sent the small but enthusiastic Bosnian contingent at Toronto Stadium into a frenzy.
Canada played most of the game in the first half but struggled to find the finishing touch.
The opportunity found by striker Jonathan David in the 17th minute was a position that Bosnian goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj easily handled.
Canada’s Ismael Kone had a golden opportunity with half an hour remaining, but his shot went over the bar, prompting groans from tens of thousands of Canadians dressed in red. The second half started similarly, with Canada largely ahead but unable to equalize.
Bosnia’s veteran defender Sead Kolasinac saved an obvious goal by redirecting David’s shot onto the crossbar.
However, as the minutes ticked by, Larin finally scored Canada’s historic goal.
The goal was wildly celebrated by the home fans, with Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Mike Myers in the stands.
Canada threatened to win in the closing moments but had to settle for a draw and will face Qatar in Vancouver on June 18.
“It was special for me. I was ready to come and help the team,” Larin said. “I thought the goals would come. I score goals when Canada needs me and I always have.
“We just have to concentrate. We will be playing at home and we will have to push the limits.”
