World Cup: Canada - Bosnia-Herzegovina 0-1 LIVE and PHOTOS

The World Cup is underway, but for Italians, it's a tournament marked by absence and regret. The match between Canada and Bosnia-Herzegovina, part of Group B, serves as a painful reminder of Italy's failure to qualify for their third consecutive World Cup. The kickoff time, 9 PM Italian time, only amplifies the sense of missed opportunity.

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After the draw on December 5, we Italians had marked June 12 on the calendar because it would have been Canada-Italy.

For Italians living abroad, particularly in Toronto's "Little Italy," the disappointment is palpable. Marco, a resident originally from the Basilicata region of Italy, had marked June 12 on his calendar, anticipating a Canada-Italy clash. "After the draw on December 5," he recounted, "we Italians had marked June 12 on the calendar because it would have been Canada-Italy." Instead, the date of Italy's devastating penalty shootout loss to Bosnia in Zenica on March 31 remains the one that cannot be erased from memory.

"It was an immense disappointment," Marco added, recalling the hope of welcoming the national team and fellow fans. Now, his allegiance has shifted: "Now, of course, we will only cheer for Canada, our 'second' team." He observes that football's popularity has surged in Canada in recent years, with a growing and passionate fanbase.

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It was an immense disappointment, we would have welcomed the national team and our fellow fans with great joy.

This match marks Canada's third World Cup appearance, having previously participated in Mexico 1986 and Qatar 2022. However, Canada has yet to secure a victory in their six previous World Cup group stage matches. Coach Jesse Marsch aims to break this winless streak and push for qualification to the knockout stages, relying on players like Jonathan David, despite his recent disappointing season. Their challenge will be significant against the experienced Bosnian side, featuring players like Edin Džeko.

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Now, of course, we will only cheer for Canada, our 'second' team. Here, football has grown a lot in recent years. Canadians are increasingly passionate.