Canada draws with Bosnia in World Cup opener at Ice District
Edmonton fans watched Cyle Larin equalize late as Canada earned 1-1 draw in first men's World Cup match on home soil.
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Hundreds of Canadian soccer fans packed the Ice District's Fan Park on Friday, June 12, to watch Canada's World Cup opener against Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the experience was a roller coaster of agony and relief.
Bosnia scored first through Jovo Lukic with a headed goal, leaving the crowd quiet as Canada pressed for an equalizer. The team created chance after chance — Jonathan David shot right at the keeper, Tani Oluwaseyti shot over the goal, and Richie Laryea's shot hit the bar after a last-ditch Bosnian block. Canada dominated possession but the Bosnian back line held firm.
Late in the match, Cyle Larin volleyed in an equalizer that kissed off a Bosnian shin before finding the goal, sending the crowd into chants of "Ca-na-DA, Ca-na-DAAA." The 1-1 draw positions Canada well for the round of 32.
For Belmin Agic, born in Edmonton to Bosnian parents, the result was perfect. He showed up with family and friends in blue and yellow, rooting for both countries. Noah Feraco, a member of the official Voyageurs supporters' group, watched from the Canadian Icehouse next to Rogers Place — ticket prices in the thousands had kept him from Toronto. The draw shows Canada can compete on home soil, even if the nation is still chasing that USA '94 moment that captivates a country.