World Cup Chronicles: Canada 1–1 Bosnia and Herzegovina — Canada Not Good Enough, Bosnia Unable to Keep the Ball
Srećko Šijaković 
As always, we are here to cover the key events and matches of the World Cup. We will focus on the most important tactical details, major moments on the pitch, and the tactical variations we witnessed throughout the tournament.
Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina played out a 1–1 draw in their Group B opener at the World Cup.
What are the qualities of Canada?
What to expect in future games?
The tactical formula of this particular game.
What happened tactically in the match?
“Canada showed great determination and energy, but also a significant weakness in the final third, where they lacked quality and clinical finishing. Their attacking approach was repeatedly stopped because Bosnia and Herzegovina defended with large numbers behind the ball, maintaining a compact defensive structure throughout most of the match.“
“Canada coach Jesse Marsch made a decisive move in the second half while his team was trailing, introducing three attacking players. The substitutions changed the flow of the game.“
“Jonathan David, Jacob Shaffelburg, and Ahmed entered the match, and from that moment Canada became the better side. At the same time, Bosnia and Herzegovina coach Sergej Barbarez completely missed with his substitutions, as Baždar and Gigović failed to bring the required quality and impact.”
Sead Kolašinac saves Bosnia and Herzegovina’s goal in an epic manner. He hits his own post.
Bosnia and Herzegovina were patient and extremely defensive for long periods. Their opening goal came from a corner kick, putting them 1–0 ahead and forcing Canada to chase the game.
At 1–0, Canada had a huge one-on-one opportunity, but Sead Kolašinac produced a crucial defensive intervention. After the shot, the Bosnia and Herzegovina left-back managed to divert the ball onto the post, preventing what looked like a certain goal.
The former Arsenal and Atalanta defender played an important role throughout the match, helping Bosnia and Herzegovina defensively and limiting Tajon Buchanan, whose task was to create danger down the wing.
Kolašinac largely neutralised the Canadian winger through his strength, positioning, and experience. However, Canada also showed a lack of confidence in front of goal, and when chances arrived, it became clear that converting them would not be easy.
Is Bosnia and Herzegovina too defensive? Is manager Barbrez killing the talent? Is he restricting the team?
Is he the worst case of Safet Susić?
For Bosnia and Herzegovina, the manner of their play was not particularly encouraging. They spent most of the match defending and scored from a set piece.
“In terms of combination play and attacking football, there was very little to admire.”
About Bosnia a nd Herzegovina.
Canada was clearly the better team on the ball, and unlike Bosnia and Herzegovina’s playoff match against Italy, there was no red card handed to their opponents to alter the balance of the game.
To be a truly good team, a side must be capable of playing quality football in possession. Bosnia and Herzegovina could have earned this point in a much more convincing manner. Their style of play remains unchanged, and this was essentially the same type of performance they produced against Wales and Italy in the playoffs.
Canada attacked relentlessly, while Barbarez’s substitutions weakened Bosnia and Herzegovina’s ability to control the game. They dashed Bosnia and Herzegovina’s ambitions of winning.
“It was a very weak managerial performance from Bosnia and Herzegovina’s coach in the opening Group B match, as his tactical approach and substitutions allowed Canada to take control of the game.”
Our Bold opinion on Canada!
Canada may be one of the more favourable opponents at this tournament because they lack the highest level of quality, but they deserved to come back and earn a draw. Even so, they do not appear strong enough in attack to make a deep run and may only be capable of progressing one round beyond the group stage.
The Bosnia and Herzegovina Barbarez coach continues to use a basic 4-4-2 system, one of the simplest structures in football. The physical profile of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s players suits this style, but there is an argument that another coach could get more from this talented group by implementing a more fluid, possession-based approach with better passing football.
These players are more talented than the football they are currently producing. Bosnia and Herzegovina are not playing particularly well, nor are they playing attractive football.
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