They came to witness history and celebrate Canada's role in it, a men's World Cup debut on home soil that was destined to be memorable regardless of the outcome. In the 78th minute of a wildly exciting game played before a sea of red at Toronto Stadium, the pro-Canadian crowd finally witnessed one of the most spectacular and important moments in the nation's sporting history.
Larin's Heroics
Cyle Larin, moments after entering as a super substitute, was magnificent. He powerfully struck the ball with his right foot, sending it rocketing into the corner of the Bosnia and Herzegovina net. Suddenly, an afternoon mixed with entertainment and frustration erupted into a serenading moment of Canadian pride. Fully aware of the magnitude of the moment, the crowd deliriously chanted in joy at what would be a 1-1 draw against their European opponents, a tie that felt like a titanic victory.
The Larin goal was everything, giving Canada its first World Cup point after six consecutive defeats in two previous appearances. It finally thwarted an afternoon that could have ended in abject frustration when opportunity after opportunity fell short.
What the Result Means
Most importantly, the result was exactly what Jesse Marsch's team needed, allowing the Canadians to continue along a path that sets them up for success in advancing out of Group play. Next up is a date with Qatar in Vancouver next week, where a win against a team they are heavily favoured to beat would almost certainly guarantee advancement.
The crowd of 43,002 was engaged from the start on Friday, witnesses to a treasured moment in sports history in this country. Soccer in Canada has made huge strides in the four decades since the national team debuted in Mexico in 1986. The fans were well aware of this, doing their part to will the hard-working, supremely patriotic team to success.
The Almost Killer Goal
What could have been a lethal Bosnian strike came in the 17th minute from an unheralded player, Jovo Lukic, who scored a header off a corner kick for his first international goal. Lukic, who had not played in any qualifying matches and was making his international debut, came through in a huge way, delighting the boisterous Bosnian contingent in the south stands.
Even with Canada's spirited play, the goal felt like it could be a killer. The team was a little nervous early but desperately needed a strong start to calm nerves and begin the tournament in style. Although Canada dominated much of the first half, Bosnia's early strike ratcheted up the pressure. Worse for the Canadians, the set-piece connection came on Bosnia's only corner of the first half, while Canada had 10 corners but barely threatened from them.
Where Is the Offence?
As much as Marsch tried to downplay Canada's goal-scoring woes leading up to the biggest game in the program's history, it remained an issue until a big goal was scored. Frustration struck early when Jonathan David missed a shot that could haunt him for as long as he plays. In tight on the Bosnian net, he barely made contact on an opportunity he should have buried most of the time. No wonder Marsch lost his mind in front of the Canadian bench after that one. Until Larin scored, the offence was mired in a stretch where it had scored just seven times in its previous eight matches, being blanked in four of those.
Now What … and Where Is Alphonso Davies?
After a deep exhale at securing that critical first point, it is off to Vancouver for the next two games. The team is scheduled to fly to British Columbia on Saturday to prepare for the next contest. Marsch will need to find a way for better finishing, which was a concern coming in. Additionally, captain Alphonso Davies was out of the lineup with a hamstring injury and did some light work during warmups. Moments before kickoff, he worked his way around several teammates, offering words of encouragement, including to Larin. They will need more from the Bayern Munich star, even if there is no indication of when or if he will see tournament action at a time when his team and country need him more than ever.
