Soccer powerhouse Brampton sends five players to FIFA World Cup<\/a><\/p>\nBrampton natives make up a bulk of Canada\u2019s World Cup Team, including Larin, Tajon Buchanan, Jonathan Osorio, Promise David and Jayden Nelson, was named to Canada\u2019s roster to replace injured midfielder Marcelo Flores.<\/p>\n
An announced crowd of 43,002 \u2014 a sea of red jerseys except for two sections of Bosnian supporters \u2014 was in strong voice as it tried to lift the home side, which was repeatedly stifled by the taller, physically imposing opposition.<\/p>\n
With star left back Alphonso Davies out with a hamstring issue, Stephen Eustaquio wore the captain\u2019s armband for Canada.<\/p>\n
Marsch slotted Jonathan David and Tani Oluwaseyi up top in his starting 11. Defender Luc de Fougerolles was on the back line with Mo\u00efse Bombito available off the bench.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think we had the better chances and we could have won the game,\u201d de Fougerolles said. \u201cBut first point ever for Canada, so it\u2019s something to take forward.\u201d<\/p>\n
Conditions were idyllic at the new-look stadium with a temperature of 26 C at kickoff under mostly sunny skies. Temporary grandstands were added at two sides of the lakefront venue to bring capacity up to the FIFA minimum.<\/p>\n
Actor Will Arnett and singer Michael Bubl\u00e9 helped warm up the crowd before the game and Alanis Morissette sang O Canada.<\/p>\n
With the partisan crowd buzzing, Canada earned the first corner kick in the opening minute but couldn\u2019t take advantage.<\/p>\n
The Bosnians, ranked 64th, played their usual physical brand of soccer and were effective in cutting off crosses.<\/p>\n
The visitors nearly had a break after some sloppy midfield play in the 11th minute. A hard tackle by Alistair Johnson prevented an opportunity but the defender was given a yellow card.<\/p>\n
Canada\u2019s first chance came six minutes later when David was left open near the penalty spot but Vasilj made a diving save.<\/p>\n
Bosnia took advantage of its first corner kick as Lukic \u2014 getting the start ahead of veteran Edin Dzeko \u2014 caught Crepeau too close to the post. Bosnian fans in the grandstand above the goal erupted while Lukic was swarmed by elated teammates.<\/p>\n
Canada, ranked 30th, controlled possession for most of the half but struggled to hit the target. Oluwaseyi had the best chance but his shot from inside the 18-yard box sailed over the bar.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe just needed to represent ourselves better and we did that better in the second half,\u201d Marsch said. \u201cWe knew our fitness and our youth and our speed had the potential to wear them down as the game went on.\u201d<\/p>\n
Both teams pressed after the break with Canada\u2019s Richie Laryea nearly notching the equalizer. After a nifty passing play, he beat Vasilj but the ball deflected off Sead Kolasinac\u2019s outstretched leg and hit the crossbar.<\/p>\n
Demirovic was sent in alone moments later but Crepeau made a diving challenge and the ball rolled wide.<\/p>\n
Marsch made a triple substitution in the 61st minute, hoping to give his team a spark. Jacob Shaffelburg, Promise David and Ali Ahmed came on for Liam Millar, Jonathan David and Tajon Buchanan.<\/p>\n
\u201cI felt like we needed to really push the game and find some ways to be sharper,\u201d Marsch said.<\/p>\n
The Dragons seemed content to play for the draw late in the game. They gave up a few opportunities late in the second half and injury time, but escaped with a point.<\/p>\n
Canada, which is co-hosting the tournament with the United States and Mexico, outshot Bosnia 13-8 (4-3 in shots on target) and had a 9-4 edge in corner kicks.<\/p>\n
\u201cI told them after the match that if we play like that second half (for) the whole match, we win,\u201d Marsch said. \u201cWe\u2019ve got to find a way to have a bit more confidence and a bit more self-belief.\u201d<\/p>\n
Canada defeated Uzbekistan 2-0 and tied Ireland 1-1 in international friendlies last week. Bosnia qualified for the tournament by upsetting Italy last March in a European qualifier.<\/p>\n
\u2014 With files from Canadian Press sports reporter Joshua Clipperton and\u00a0INsauga.com<\/p>\n
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