'Showed I Should Be...': Canadian History-Maker Larin Stakes Claim To Starting Spot
'Showed I Should Be...': Canadian History-Maker Larin Stakes Claim To Starting Spot Published By, Last Updated: June 13, 2026, 11:14 IST Larin came off the
'Showed I Should Be...': Canadian History-Maker Larin Stakes Claim To Starting Spot Published By, Last Updated: June 13, 2026, 11:14 IST Larin came off the bench to cancel out Jovo Lukic's early goal for Bosniain, to stake a claim for his place in the starting lineup going ahead. Canada's Cyle Larin (9) scores his sides first goal of the game in the second half of the World Cup Group B soccer match between Canada and Bosnia, Friday, June 12, 2026, in Toronto. (AP Photo/Sam Balkansky) Canada logged a point in their FIFA World Cup 2026 opener against Bosnia and Herzegovina, battling back to earn a 1-1 draw at Toronto Stadium in Ontario on Saturday. The result gave Canada their first ever point at a FIFA World Cup after six previous unsuccessful attempts, finally getting them on the board at the global showpiece.
Cyle Larin came off the bench to cancel out Jovo Lukic’s early goal for Bosniain, to stake a claim for his place in the starting lineup going ahead. “I want to pay every game and have been working hard all season with my club. But sometimes you don’t have control," the goal-scorer said. “But I have control when I go in the game and today I showed I should be playing," Larin continued. “I score when Canada needs me and I’ve always done that," he added. The quadrennial tournament arrived in the Great White North for the first time, and Canada marked the milestone with a dazzling opening ceremony before kicking off against Bosnia. The visitors had booked their place at the finals by eliminating four-time champions Italy at the last hurdle. Bosnia started with star forward Edin Dzeko on the bench, while Canada were without their talisman Alphonso Davies.
The visitors took the lead before the midway point of the first half, when Lukic bundled the ball over the line after a superb near-post corner was headed into his path. Their dominance in the penalty area was rewarded with the opening goal. Canada pressed for an equaliser but repeatedly lacked the decisive final touch to match their promising build-up play, allowing Bosnia to carry a slender 1-0 lead into the break. After half-time, Canada came out with great attacking intent, yet still could not break through, with Sead Kolasinac producing a vital goal-line clearance early in the second period to deny the hosts. Canada continued to pour forward in relentless waves, but Bosnia’s defence clung to their advantage with determined, resilient work at the back. Both managers turned to their benches for fresh legs, and Canada coach Jesse Marsch saw his changes pay off when substitute Larin struck with 12 minutes remaining to level the match and secure Canada’s first ever World Cup point.
The BriefWire