New Delhi, 13 June (H.S.): Co-hosts Canada battled until the closing stages to secure a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina in their Group B encounter at the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Friday. The Canadians appeared destined for defeat for much of the match before substitute Cyle Larin delivered a crucial equaliser to earn his side a valuable point.

Canada entered the contest without captain Alphonso Davies, who is continuing his recovery from a hamstring injury.

Bosnia and Herzegovina took the lead in the 21st minute. From a corner kick, Jovo Lukić produced an excellent finish to score the first international goal of his career and put his team ahead 1-0.

Canada pushed forward relentlessly after the break and came close to levelling the score in the 53rd minute. However, Richie Laryea was denied when Bosnia defender Sead Kolašinac made a superb goal-line clearance.

The co-hosts continued to apply pressure throughout the second half but struggled to convert their opportunities, while Bosnia looked increasingly capable of protecting their slender advantage.

The turning point arrived after Cyle Larin entered the match in the 76th minute. Just three minutes after coming on, he turned sharply inside the penalty area and unleashed a powerful effort that took a deflection before finding the back of the net, bringing Canada level at 1-1.

Canada nearly snatched victory in the final moments of stoppage time. Laryea delivered the ball to Larin inside the box, but Bosnia defender Tarik Muharemović produced a crucial intervention to prevent what appeared to be a certain winning goal.

The draw gives Canada one point to begin its World Cup campaign, while Bosnia and Herzegovina will be left disappointed after coming within minutes of securing all three points.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar