Few people have a deeper connection to Bosnia and Herzegovina's World Cup opener against co-hosts Canada than veteran goalkeeper Asmir Begovic. The 38-year-old Leicester City stopper played for Canada at youth level, including on home soil at the 2007 U-20 World Cup, before switching to the country of his birth, whom he represented at Brazil 2014.
Begovic's ties to Canada run deep. His family fled the Bosnian War to Germany when he was four before moving to Edmonton six years later. It was in Canada where Begovic developed as an aspiring footballer, earning a trial at Portsmouth in 2003. He has since enjoyed a long career in England with Stoke City, Chelsea, and Bournemouth.
Ahead of Bosnia's return to the World Cup, Begovic spoke about what the match against Canada means for him and his family. He described it as a very unique game involving the country of his birth and the country where he grew up, making it deeply personal. When asked who he wants to win, he diplomatically replied that may the best team win. Begovic also reflected on Bosnia's qualification journey and praised coach Sergej Barbarez for transforming the team's fortunes.
