The first game on the second day of World Cup action played to a riveting draw.
Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina opened Group B play with a 1-1 scoreline in Toronto, the first time the quadrennial tournament has been played on Canadian soil.
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Despite star Alphonso Davies not being fit enough to play with a hamstring problem, it was all Canada from the start. Jesse Marsch’s 4-4-2 formation worked well against Bosnia’s own similar shape, with the fullbacks providing energy and attacking support on the wings.
Star striker Jonathan David missed a key chance that fell his way early, which would’ve swung momentum even more. Canada also earned several corners, but the outswinging options never worked out.
It was the opposite story for Bosnia. When the Dragons earned a corner from the right flank, the inswinger was flicked toward goal by captain Sead Kolasinac and turned in by tall striker Jovo Lukic. Poor defending by Canada also played a role with the 21st-minute goal coming against the run of play.
Canada increased the on-ball domination from there until it eventually found the equalizer, as Bosnia happily sat back to defend in attempt to attack in transition. But a lack of speedy options hurt its chances in succeeding.
The Reds needed a boost in energy as David, who is known for being too inconsistent at club level, looked ready for a change. So in came Promise David, no relation to Jonathan and a breakout candidate, alongside Cyle Larin. Promise entered in the 61st minute and Larin the 76th.
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Larin’s substitution was more timely as he’d score the equalizer just two minutes later. The substitute David dropped in and linked up well with Larin just inside the penalty box. Larin’s goal was deflected, but they all count the same.
The game opened up more from that point as all three points would’ve been extremely beneficial for the victor, but no one found the net again after six stoppage minutes.
Canada will feel a little hard done by the chances missed, but getting Davies back as soon as possible will serve as a key boost.
Switzerland and Qatar are the challengers in the group. The former is seen as the favorite to advance in first place, while second and third are up for grabs. Qatar is the outlier in terms of experience and quality, but that’s why the games are played on the pitch.
Next up Friday is the U.S. men’s national team and Paraguay in Los Angeles, Calif.
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