Larin strikes late as Canada rescue draw against Bosnia

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Canada fought back from a goal down to earn a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina in their opening FIFA World Cup match on Friday, with substitute Cyle Larin scoring a late equaliser to salvage a point.

The Canadians dominated possession and created several clear-cut opportunities but found themselves trailing midway through the first half when Jovo Lukic headed Bosnia and Herzegovina into the lead.

The goal came in the 21st minute after Sead Kolasinac rose highest to meet a corner and directed the ball into the six-yard box, where Lukic glanced a header beyond goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau.

Canada responded positively and pushed for an equaliser, but Bosnia goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj repeatedly frustrated Jesse Marsch’s side with a series of important saves.

Jonathan David squandered Canada’s best chance of the opening half when he failed to beat Vasilj from close range after finding himself with space inside the penalty area.

The North Americans continued to apply pressure after the break and came agonisingly close in the 53rd minute when Richie Laryea’s effort struck the post after taking a deflection.

Marsch introduced fresh attacking options in the second half, bringing on Promise David and Cyle Larin as Canada intensified their search for a breakthrough.

The substitutions eventually paid off in the 78th minute. David combined well with Larin, whose shot from inside the penalty area took a deflection before finding its way past the helpless Vasilj to level the score at 1-1.

Both teams pushed for a winner in the closing stages, but neither side could find the decisive breakthrough.

Bosnia and Herzegovina had opportunities through Tarik Muharemovic and Dzenis Burnic, while Canada continued to threaten through Larin and Promise David.