Larin was on the pitch for less than three minutes in an exhilarating Group B opener that seemed destined for a Canadian defeat. He turned in the box and netted the equaliser in the 78th minute, becoming the first Canadian to score a World Cup goal on home soil.
“It was special for me. I was ready to come and help the team,” Larin remarked. “I expected the goals would come. I score when Canada needs me, and I always have.”
Soccer Football – FIFA World Cup 2026 – Group B – Canada v Bosnia and Herzegovina – Toronto Stadium, Toronto, Canada – June 12, 2026 Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Jovo Lukic celebrates scoring their first goal REUTERS/Claudia Greco
Bosnia took the lead in the 21st minute when Jovo Lukic converted a flick-on from a corner for his inaugural international goal. Canada surged forward and almost equalised through Richie Laryea in the 53rd minute, only for Bosnia’s Sead Kolasinac to remarkably deflect his shot off the crossbar and out of danger.
The packed Toronto Stadium by Lake Ontario may be the smallest venue among the 16 for this year’s World Cup, but it compensated with a vibrant atmosphere as a sea of red supporters continuously cheered and sang “Ca-na-da.”
‘PUT YOUR FOOT ON THE JUGULAR’
After going behind, Canada maintained their offensive efforts but, despite generating multiple opportunities, struggled with accuracy. The Bosnians, who seemed to tire as the match progressed, managed to handle repeated crosses and looked set for a narrow victory.
Larin, however, had different plans when he entered in the 76th minute. His immediate impact was evident as he scored a deflected shot to equalise, igniting cheers from the home crowd.
“The substitutes made a significant difference. The pace increased, and we could see they were tiring,” said Canada coach Jesse Marsch. “I told them that we had them now. It’s time to put your foot on the jugular and pursue the goal.”
This result marked Canada’s first-ever World Cup point following six defeats in previous tournaments in 1986 and 2022, although they fell short of the victory they desired.
Jonathan David squandered a golden opportunity to give Canada an early lead when the all-time leading scorer struck his well-placed shot directly at goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj.
After Lukic placed the battle-tested Dragons ahead, Canada took control of the match.
CANADA FIND A NEW LEVEL AFTER HALF
Canada pushed for the remainder of the half but struggled to create a strong presence deep in Bosnia’s territory, with most attempts into the box cleared away quickly.
The hosts nearly equalised at the start of the second half when Laryea broke through on goal, and his shot seemed destined to score until Kolasinac intervened at the last moment, deflecting it off the bar.
As the game opened up, Bosnia almost doubled their advantage moments later when Ermedin Demirovic advanced on goal, but Maxime Crepeau, making his World Cup debut after a broken leg kept him from the 2022 tournament, pulled off a key save.
This set the stage for Southampton striker Larin, who drove home a right-footed shot from the center of the box in the 78th minute, just moments after his introduction.
“I’m really proud of this group; we easily could have crumbled after conceding that first goal and let our spirits drop,” remarked right back Alistair Johnston.
“But we returned in the second half with a boost, and we seized control of the match.”
Following the match, Bosnia’s players acknowledged their supporters, who filled two sections in the upper level, providing a constant rhythm and vocal presence throughout the game.
Bosnia will next prepare for a match against group favorites Switzerland on June 18 in Los Angeles, while Canada will face the underdogs Qatar later that day in Vancouver.
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