Canada
Bosnia
Co-hosts Canada make their long-awaited return to the World Cup stage — their first appearance since 1986 — as they face a Bosnia and Herzegovina side bursting with attacking quality in what promises to be a compelling opener. Canada will feed off an electric home atmosphere, but Bafana — sorry, Bosnia — arrive with genuine quality throughout and will fancy their chances of making a statement on the grandest stage.
Canada — The Hosts
Canada are likely to set up in a 4-4-2 with Maxime Crepeau in goal behind a back four of Laryea, Fougerolles, Cornelius and Johnston. The midfield four of Millar, Kone, Eustaquio and Buchanan gives them both industry and creativity, with Buchanan capable of causing real problems down the right. Up front, the partnership of Cyle Larin and the supremely talented Jonathan David is one of the most exciting strike pairings in this tournament. David in particular arrives in great form.
Playing at home with a nation behind them for the first time in 40 years, Canada will draw enormous energy from the crowd. The atmosphere could be the difference in what promises to be a tight contest.
Bosnia and Herzegovina — The Dark Horses
Bosnia line up in a mirror 4-4-2 with Vasilj in goal. The back four of Kolasinac, Muharemovic, Katic and Dedic provides a solid foundation, while the midfield of Alajbegovic, Sunjic, Tahirovic and Bajraktarevic is one of the most technically accomplished in this group. But the real danger comes up front — Edin Dzeko, ageless and lethal in the box, leads the line alongside the clinical Ermedin Demirovic in a partnership that will cause Canada's defence serious problems.
Bosnia are not here just to make up the numbers. Dzeko will be desperate to sign off his international career with a World Cup to remember, and that motivation could prove a powerful force throughout the tournament.
Predicted Lineups
Key Battle
Jonathan David vs the Bosnia back four. David is lethal in the channels and arrives at this tournament on the back of a remarkable club season. If Canada can get him running in behind Kolasinac and Dedic, Bosnia will be in serious trouble. The question is whether Bosnia's midfield can be disciplined enough to deny him the space he needs.
Prediction
Canada's home advantage is real, and Jonathan David is capable of winning any game on his own. But Bosnia's firepower — particularly Dzeko — makes this far from straightforward. Expect a tight, physical contest with goals at both ends as two attacking sides go toe to toe.
Canada 2–1 Bosnia and Herzegovina - Jonathan David, Cyle Larin — Edin Dzeko
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