Canada Equalizes Late to Draw 1-1 With Bosnia and Herzegovina in World Cup Opener

Cyle Larin scored with his first touch 121 seconds after entering the match to give Canada a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina in their Group B opener. The Southampton striker replaced Tani Oluwaseyi and volleyed home after Ismaël Koné fed Jonathan David, who flicked the ball into Larin’s path.

Jovo Lukic had given Bosnia and Herzegovina the lead with a first-half header that was his first international goal.

The goal came from a corner routine in which Sead Kolasinac flicked the ball toward the goal line before Lukic finished from close range. The strike tested the south stand, where 7,000 temporary seats had been added to increase stadium capacity. Canada created several clear chances before the interval.

Jonathan David missed a sitter on 17 minutes, and Tani Oluwaseyi spooned over when presented with a clear sight of goal just after the half-hour. Nikola Katic headed a Tani Oluwaseyi shot off the line in the second half, and Sead Kolasinac later blocked a Richie Laryea effort that struck the crossbar. Jesse Marsch, born in Wisconsin, fielded Tani Oluwaseyi ahead of Larin in attack.

Amar Memic started up front for Bosnia and Herzegovina alongside Ermedin Demirovic because Edin Dzeko was not at full fitness. Alistair Johnston was booked for a challenge on Memic, and Liam Millar’s long throw caused Bosnia and Herzegovina problems inside the first 45 seconds. A triple substitution on the hour brought on Promise David, Jacob Shaffelburg and Ali Ahmed.

Promise David plays for Union Saint-Gilloise. Canada dominated possession and registered three times as many touches in the opposition box but trailed at the interval. The pre-match ceremony featured Michael Bublé performing “Bring It On Home to Me” among 48 flag bearers and Alanis Morissette singing the Canadian national anthem.