The first FIFA men’s World Cup match on Canadian soil delivered drama, dread and most importantly, a point.
Canada’s historic World Cup match on home soil is now behind us, and it nearly became a national wake. Bosnia and Herzegovina opened the scoring in the 21st minute through striker Jovo Lukic, who headed in his first-ever international goal from point-blank range after Sead Kolašinac’s near-post flick on a corner.
For an hour, around 43,000 fans at Toronto Stadium stared down a familiar nightmare. Then, Cyle Larin’s 78th-minute equalizer rescued a 1-1 draw and the first point in Canadian men’s World Cup history.
Here are four takeaways from the match.
(Photo by Maja Hitij – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Those who watched Bosnia eliminate Italy on penalties in the playoffs already know that this is a well-organized team with young talent. There’s real technical ability throughout the midfield and attack. Benjamin Tahirovic dictates tempo, while Esmir Bajraktarević plays with swagger. The defense is anchored by Tarik Muharemovic, perhaps the most underrated center back at this World Cup — composed in possession, ruthless in the duels, never hurried.
Canada threw everything at this back line and kept finding bodies: Nikola Katic cleared Tani Oluwaseyi’s header off the line, and Kolašinac deflected Richie Laryea’s goal-bound effort onto the crossbar.
This team feels like it’s playing with house money after defying the odds and beating Italy in the World Cup qualification playoff final.
(Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Getty Images)
Alphonso Davies missed the match with a hamstring injury, and his absence was felt throughout. The attacking burden shifted entirely onto Jonathan David, Canada’s all-time leading goalscorer, who was coming off a difficult debut season at Juventus. David got his golden chance in the 17th minute and fired it straight at the goalkeeper from 12 yards. Just like we’ve seen time and time again this season, he fluffed his lines.
Here’s the main issue: without Davies’ electrifying pace, dribbling and directness, defenders can fully focus on stopping David. Fonzie doesn’t just create; his mere presence relieves pressure on everyone around him. Canada generated nearly 70% possession and a mountain of corners.
Sure, they were also unlucky, but it could’ve been a different story with Davies on the pitch. The Canadian medical staff will now try to earn their salaries.
(Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images)
