Canada draws opening World Cup match with Bosnia-Herzegovina in Toronto: as it happened

FULL TIME: Canada 1 Bosnia-Herzegovina 1

The first men’s World Cup game in Canada ends in a draw. Cyle Larin had the chance to win it late in extra time, but his extra touch opened the door for a huge block by Bosnian defender Tarik Muharemović.

The tie earns Les Rouges their first ever point in a World Cup tournament. It also makes Canada the first World Cup host to draw its opening match since South Africa in 2010. 

That comeback should be a point of pride for Canada.

Bosnia-Herzegovina are a frustrating side to break down and create chances against — as Italy learned in the World Cup playoffs.

And while the first Canadian win in a men’s World Cup still eludes this team, the fightback against such a stubborn team should be a huge confidence booster for the co-hosts.

Canada led 13 to 8 in shots, 310 to 170 in accurate passes, and 38 to 14 in touches in the opponent’s box. They also completed 58 per cent of all ground duels — even if they were outplayed in the air.

Credit to Marsch, whose substitutions changed the game for the better for the co-hosts.