No one said it would be easy.

The Canadian men’s national team dazzled in a stressful opener to the final round of 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying Thursday, drawing level with Honduras 1-1 at BMO Field in Toronto. A 66th-minute penalty from striker Cyle Larin canceled out a first-half spot-kick from Honduras’ Alexander López.

Despite many chances, especially in the second half, coach John Herdman’s side failed to grab all three points – but did live up to the hype in their first final round World Cup qualifying match in over 20 years.

Herdman’s ever-changing lineup was chalked up to a 4-4-2 at match start with second-ever most capped Atiba Hutchinson in midfield while starlets Alphonso Davies and Tajon Buchanan lined up further up the pitch, supported by fullbacks Richie Laryea and Allistair Johnston.

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It was out wide where the Canadians enjoyed early success as they also took on plenty of possession. Davies’ put BMO Field on its feet for the first time after 10 minutes when the Bayern Munich winger ripped possession away from defender Andy Najar and later beat him for pace on back-to-back plays, centering balls that never found a target.

Honduras, meanwhile, showed their teeth on counterattacks as they eventually grew into the match, putting Les Rouges on their back foot through the midway point of the first half, though few goalmouth opportunities came.

Honduras got the breakthrough via the penalty spot when Najar was taken down in the box on contact from Buchanan. Alexander Lopez converted the spot-kick to give the visitors the lead… Only depart via stretcher in the following moments.

GOAL ??

Honduras strike first as Alexander Lopez scores from the penalty spot, before being carried off the field with an apparent hamstring injury ⚽️#CanMNT ?? | ? https://t.co/hishXepRT3 pic.twitter.com/5fqTYF6Znu

— OneSoccer (@onesoccer) September 3, 2021

Jonathan David gave Canada their best chance near the end of the half when he slipped through the backline, though his powerful near-post shot was deflected by goalkeeper Luis Lopez. David’s attempt marked a good run for the Canadians which ended at halftime.

Herdman opted to make one change at half, swapping Buchanan for Junior Hoilett, as Les Rouges continued their run of form after the break by earning back-to-back-to-back-to-back corners on early pressure. Davies enjoyed exploits along the left as he led Canada to exceptional spells of possession all around Honduras’ third.

Truth be told, it was a chaotic second half – espcailly through the early portion. The referee waved away protests for a handball on a Honduran defender while Herdman’s side racked up chance after chance… Until their penalty came.

Junior Hoilett was clipped by a defender after 63 minutes, sending Cyle Larin to the spot where he guessed correctly.

GOOOOOALLL ??

CANADA EQUALIZE.

CYLE LARIN.

Joint-2nd ALL TIME top scorer in team history. 19 goals.#CanMNT ? | ? https://t.co/hishXepRT3 pic.twitter.com/peTfx1nVfo

— OneSoccer (@onesoccer) September 3, 2021

A break nearly came for Honduras after 73 minutes when Brayan Moya nearly scored, if not for Canada ‘keeper Milan Borjan who scrapped his fingernails on his headed shot attempt.

SAVE ?

My oh my, Milan Borjan!#CanMNT ?? | ? https://t.co/hishXepRT3 pic.twitter.com/Bjfxbl8jKE

— OneSoccer (@onesoccer) September 3, 2021

Borjan’s big save was one of several exciting moments for Canada in the final stages, along with a chance from Laryea at the back post which was sent well over the bar.

No winner came for the Canadians, who had to settle for the draw in an exciting World Cup final stage opener.

Up next for Canada is a trip to Nashville, Tennesse and a date with the United States on Sunday (8pm ET/5pm PT live on OneSoccer & TSN) before returning to BMO Field to face El Salvador on Wednesday (7:30pm ET/4:30pm PT, live on OneSoccer and Sportsnet).

Canada will play a total of 14 matches in “the Oct,” Concacaf’s eight-team final round of qualifying for Qatar. Thursday marked the first time Canada has played in the final round of World Cup qualifying since the France 1998 cycle. It was also the first home match for Canada since they dispatched the U.S. 2-0 in Concacaf Nations League play on Oct. 15 2019.

Canada’s next window of matches will run from Oct. 7-13. They’ll next face Honduras away on Jan. 27, 2022.

BOX SCORE

Goals

40′ — Alexander López (Honduras)
66′ — Cyle Larin (Canada)

Discipline

45′ — Yellow: Rigoberto Rivas (Honduras)
62′ — Yellow: Steven Vitoria (Canada)