Canada won its first point ever at a World Cup by drawing 1-1 with Bosnia Herzegovina before 43,000 fans at Toronto Stadium on Friday.
Cyle Larin scored two minutes after coming into the game for striker Jonathan David. Long-suffering fans erupted in the stadium and at watch parties across Canada.
The goal was perhaps the most memorable and important in history for Canada, which lost all previous World Cup games in Mexico in 1986 and Qatar in 2022. Alphonso Davies, still recovering from injury, is the only Canadian to score previously at a World Cup.
After a nervous start, Canada gave up a goal to Jovo Lukic off a corner kick in the 21st minute.
After that, Canada dominated possession for much of the game but squandered chances when David kicked it to the keeper and Richie Laryea’s shot was deflected off the crossbar.
Larin had better luck when his shot deflected off a Bosnian defender.
“I score when Canada needs me,” Larin told TSN after the game.
Coach Marsch said he spoke before the game with Larin, who was unhappy about not starting for Canada after successes at Southampton in the English Premier League. But Marsch praised Larin for wrapping his mind around his new role.
Many Canadian fans credited Team Canada for overcoming injuries and refusing to surrender to the bigger and more physical Bosnian Team.
If Canada or Bosnia beat lower-ranked Qatar, they will likely qualify for second round matches in Vancouver or possibly Los Angeles.
It was the first ever World Cup game hosted by Canada. The Opening Ceremony featured performances by Michael Buble, Alanis Morissette and others on a sunny day in Toronto.
Globalite Magazine 
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