MARSCH AND BARBAREZ CONTENT AFTER WORLD CUP STALEMATE.

Canada coach Jesse Marsch and Bosnia and Herzegovina boss Sergej Barbarez
agreed a draw was a fair outcome after their sides played out a 1-1 stalemate in their
World Cup Group B opener.

Bosnia took the lead through Jovo Lukić’s first international goal, but Canada
responded late when Cyle Larin struck to earn the co-hosts their first-ever World Cup
point.

Barbarez admitted his side spent long periods on the back foot, but praised his
players for handling the occasion.

“We left the initiative to Canada and were playing in low blocks,” he said. “But both
teams deserved the point, and the result is satisfactory.”

The Bosnia coach reserved special praise for his team’s composure in front of a
largely Canadian crowd.

“It was a full house with around 80 per cent Canadian supporters. That is huge
pressure, and it’s a huge compliment for my team not to have succumbed to that
pressure.”

He also hailed veteran defender Sead Kolašinac after his crucial goal-line clearance.
“I expect him to hold the whole team together and lead the team, and that’s exactly
what he did.”

Marsch, meanwhile, felt Canada grew into the game after a slow start and was
rewarded for their persistence.

“For me, it is the mentality and the bravery,” he said. “We did that in the second half
and not in the first half, and that was the difference for us on the day.”

The former Leeds United manager also praised substitute Larin for making an impact
after being left out of the starting lineup.

“I knew he wasn’t happy about not starting, but he had a great year, whether he
started or came off the bench.”

Marsch admitted Canada still has areas to improve, but was encouraged by the
response shown after falling behind.

Bosnia was pretty much exactly what we thought it would be. We needed to
represent ourselves better, and we did that in the second half.”

“I think it could have gone either way. They had chances to make it 2-0; we had
chances to win it. In the end, I think a draw is a fair result.”

Canada faces Qatar in Vancouver next Thursday, while Bosnia and Herzegovina take
on Switzerland in Los Angeles.