Did Canada leave points on the table to kickoff FIFA World Cup?

Watching and thinking about what we saw on the pitch, Canada left one on the table. People will think I am crazy for even saying that. But give a minute to explain.

Coming into the game, Canada was ranked No. 30, and Bosnia and Herzegovina was No. 65. Looking at it just from that, they are separated far enough that Canada had enough of an edge. But that is why the game is played. 

From the opening kick until the end of the first half, Bosnia had more urgency, were more physical, and outhustled Canada.

That came as a surprise, considering Canada is one of the host countries and should have had the fire inside them to want to do proud in front of their countrymen.

Yes, Canada had a chance to score at the 17-minute mark, but Bosnia's goalie Nikola Vasilj made a tremendous save. Besides that, Canada got outplayed at every level in the opening half. 

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But in the second half, Canada came out as they should have from the jump. With the Toronto roaring to get their home team going, Canada woke up by running their hearts out, making crisp passes, and being aggressive, including a goal by Cyle Larin at the 78' mark. Those attributes turned the complexion of the game for them.

Canada could have had four goals in the game, with three of those coming in the second half. Instead, they only ended up with one as a ball hit the crossbar and two, including one inside the final minute off a great left boot by Larin, which were cleared off the line. Yes, you have to give credit to Bosnia for the great defensive effort and the will to win. 

A point is well and good because it gets Canada on the board. One point is better than zero. After watching the game back, Canada is going to kick itself. If they had played the entire game like they did to close the show, Canada would have had Bosnia on their heels earlier and would have won the game and gotten the much-needed three points. Luckily for Canada, they are in a very winnable Group B. But if they continue to play unevenly, Canada is going to look back at Friday's game and realize the golden opportunity was right in front of them, and they feel flat on their faces.

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