Raging Red
It will be raging Red, as Canada ( Les Rouges), the co-hosts, take on Bosnia-Herzegovina in a Group B clash in Toronto.
Team Narratives: Canada
Canada will be looking to have their first points in a World Cup campaign, having lost all their group matches in the 1986 and 2022 World Cup appearances. Les Rouges will be desperate to break this jinx and record their first victory in a World Cup.
Bosnia
Bosnia-Herzegovina are a gritty side and dumped the favourites and much-fancied Italy in an incredible penalty shootout to qualify for the World Cup, in a tense playoff. The Dragons, as they are known, secured the final spot in Group B. In only their second appearance in the World Cup since their debut in 2014, the Bosnians are a battle-hardened lot.
Players To Watch Out For: Les Rouges
Canada have a talented side managed by Jesse Marsch. In Alphonse Davies, Les Rouges have a terrific left back, who can double up as a winger in no time. Gifted with great pace, Davies is the man to watch out for. His fitness may be a bit of an issue for Marsch, but the Bayern winger is Canada’s best bet. Jonathan David, the Juventus forward, is another brilliant player for Canada. The 26-year-old has come of age and will be a real threat to Bosnia.
Strategy
Les Rouges have an attacking style of play, with slick movements across the turf. The defence may just be exposed at times, which is a genuine concern. But the flair is prevalent, and the team is exciting to watch.
The Dragons
The Dragons, under Sergej Barbarez, will be dependent on their 40-year-old talisman Edin Dzeko. The highly regarded Bosnian is both rich in skill and experience and will be a guiding star for the team. The defence is Bosnia’s strength, manned by Atalanta’s Sead Kolasinac, which will not be easy to dismantle. Ermedin Demirovic of VfB Stuttgart is an exciting forward and will be the one to watch out for.
Strategy
Bosnia will be packing their defence into an impregnable wall and will be fierce on the counter whenever an opportunity arises. It will be a cat-and-mouse game. A bit cagey to start with, and if Canada score early, Bosnia will have it difficult with an extremely partisan crowd backing their team to the hilt.
Canada Have The Edge
Canada, in my opinion have the home ground advantage and may come through with at least a point if not more.
Match Details
Date & Time: Saturday, June 13, 12.30 am IST
Venue: BMO Field ( Toronto Stadium), Toronto
Where to watch : Zee5 in India, FOX One in the US.
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