It wasn't quite a dream day for Canada to begin their first World Cup on home soil, but they made history with their first result at the tournament in a 1-1 draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina.
A special day at Toronto Stadium was punctuated by a 78th-minute equalizer from Cyle Larin -- which sent the Canadian crowd into raptures.
Canada, who were dominant throughout, will be left to rue several missed opportunities. But still earned an important point that could serve them well as they look to advance to the knockout stage for the first time.
After a bit of a nervy start, Canada had the first real chance of the match when the ball dropped to Jonathan David in the box. But Canada's all-time leading goalscorer's low strike was denied by Bosnian goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj.
In matches of this magnitude, missed chances are haunting. Not four minutes later, Bosnia had won themselves a corner kick. Set pieces were a key point of emphasis going into the match, given Bosnia's incredible aerial threat. They immediately showed why. A whipped in delivery right at the Canada net swung agonizingly past the fingertips of Max Crépeau, and was headed into the net by striker Jovo Lukić.
A well-timed hydration break from Canada's perspective shortly after the goal allowed them to calm their nerves following the earlier Bosnian blow. Canada went right back on the attack, continuing to hold the ball deep in the Bosnia half of the pitch. Tani Oluwaseyi had a great chance in the 32nd minute, but got under the ball and sent it well over the net.
Canada had a stunning nine corners in the opening half, as well as multiple free kicks and throw-ins from a similar wide area. But in an opening half defined by set pieces, Canada were not nearly as clinical as their opposition. On just that single corner, and 32 per cent possession, Bosnia held a 1-0 lead at the half.
The Canadians started the second half brightly as well, particularly Oluwaseyi, who got himself in behind the Bosnian backline multiple times.
Canada thought they'd scored in the 54th minute as a lovely bit of interplay put Richie Laryea through on goal. His shot beat the keeper, but was somehow cleared off the line, and off his own crossbar, by a Bosnian defender, leaving the crowd in a moment of disbelief.
Again, Bosnia nearly made them pay, as a pass through the lines deflected off of Derek Cornelius, and right into the path of a Bosnian attacker, but Crépeau did brilliantly to come out of his net and cut off the angle.
In the 61st minute, Marsch chose to make a surprising trio of substitutions, bringing off David, Tajon Buchanan and Liam Millar in exchange for Promise David, Ali Ahmed and Jacob Shaffelburg.
Oluwaseyi had a great chance in the 66th minute, but his header across goal was again cleared off the line.
As Canada kept pressing, though, they created their moment. Ismaël Koné cut through the middle and passed it to Promise David, who flicked it into the path of Larin. The Canadian substitute showed unbelievable skill to bring the ball down while turning, before hitting a strike into the corner of the net to equalize the match.
The hosts continued to pour on the pressure late, searching for a winner. Larin had another excellent chance deep into stoppage time, but his slow strike from right in the six-yard box was blocked.
Canada's tournament continues against Qatar on Thursday, June 18 (6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT) at Vancouver Stadium.