TORONTO – Canada secured its first-ever World Cup point in seven appearances on soccer’s grand stage, and coach Jesse Marsch highlighted how the crowd of red-wearing, maple leaf-waving fans chanting “Go Ca-na-da!” played a big role in achieving that.
A slow beginning and an early setback led to a thrilling celebration when late substitute Cyle Larin scored in the 78th minute, resulting in a 1-1 tie against Bosnia-Herzegovina during Canada’s tournament debut on home turf.
Under the shadow of Toronto’s famous CN Tower, with hockey superstar Connor Mc David and actors Mike Myers and Ryan Reynolds cheering from the stands, Larin netted his goal just two minutes after coming onto the field.
“The crowd, I think, willed us into the game as (the players) could feel that energy in the second half tilting more and more,” said Marsch, who was particularly pleased to know that Myers, an Ontario native and “Saturday Night Live” star known for his role as Austin Powers, was among those present.
“Oh, sweet,” Marsch said.
Larin had a fantastic moment as he typically starts but had to wait patiently on the bench until late in the second half at BMO Field, home of Major League Soccer’s Toronto FC and the Canadian Football League’s Toronto Argonauts.
“It was an amazing feeling, just to score a goal on home soil, where I’m from, and just to celebrate with the fans,” said Larin. He plays for Southampton in England’s second division and hails from Brampton, a suburb of Toronto. “Amazing atmosphere.”
This goal marked only Canada’s second-ever score in World Cup play after losing all three matches at both the 1986 World Cup in Mexico and again four years ago in Qatar. The nation is co-hosting this year’s 48-team edition of the quadrennial tournament alongside Mexico – which kicked off with a 2-0 win over South Africa just one day earlier – and also with the United States; they were set to play Paraguay later Friday night near Los Angeles.
Canada played without defensive midfielder Alphonso Davies (hamstring), who scored the country’s first World Cup goal four years ago in Qatar.
Jovo Lukic filled in due to injury for Bosnia-Herzegovina and headed a corner kick into the net during the 21st minute for his team. This marks Bosnia’s second appearance at a World Cup; they previously competed at Brazil’s tournament back in 2014 but did not make it past group stages.
Starting instead of Edin Dzeko (shoulder) and Haris Tabakovic (undisclosed injury), Lukic found himself perfectly placed as captain Sead Kolasinac flicked along a header off Ivan Basic’s corner kick. It was Lukic’s first international goal during his fourth appearance for his country.
Despite losing their lead early on, this small Balkan nation of about three million people continues to shine on international platforms – even eliminating four-time champion Italy during European playoffs.
Bosnia coach Sergej Barbarez expressed relief over how well his team held up under such pressure from fans.
“This is huge pressure, and it’s a huge compliment for my team to have not succumbed to that pressure, and I’m very satisfied with that aspect of the game too,” Barbarez mentioned through a translator.
While most of the 43,000 fans filling up BMO Field along Lake Ontario were Canadians, there was also a lively group of Bosnian supporters dressed in blue visible high up among the crowd.
Both teams are striving to advance out of Group B into knockout rounds starting later this month.
The Bosnians will now travel westward for matches against Switzerland on June 18 near Los Angeles followed by Qatar on June 24 in Seattle. Canada will also head west towards Vancouver for its last two group games against Qatar on June 18 and Switzerland on June 24.
Marsch needs to motivate his team for better starts moving forward.
Before Larin’s equalizer came along , Canada’s top scoring opportunity occurred at minute 54 when captain Stephen Eustaquio passed it ahead to Richie Laryea right before an open net. Unfortunately , Kolasinac deflected it causing it hit off crossbar.
“I told them after match that if we play like that second half whole match , we win , right ?” he remarked.
“We’ve got find way be bit more confident self-belief ,” added coach. “Good part was difficult moment , responded.”
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