Southampton striker Larin came off the bench against Bosnia and Herzegovina and scored with his first touch after 121 seconds, earning Canada their first-ever men’s World Cup point. Toronto erupted.
According to Sainstmarching.com, millions watched and Southampton’s name featured in every report. Johannes Spors completed a permanent deal last week before the tournament, timing that looks brilliant now.
Larin became a fan favourite, scoring nine in 22 and earning the nickname the Brampton Bagsman.
In February at Watford he came on and, in three minutes, headed in a James Bree corner. The Northam End took to him instantly.
In March he struck again from the bench, meeting an Edozie cross in the 91st minute to head in off the bar and rescue a point.
In April at Bristol City, with promotion hopes at stake, he latched onto a long ball and finished instinctively for another draw, his fourth goal in as many starts.
On Friday he repeated the trick at the World Cup, finishing moments after coming on. He later said it felt amazing to score at home after a wait, that he had always believed a goal would come, and hoped critics would be quiet.
Larin signed for two years with an option for a third and is valued at about €5 million by Transfermarkt, a figure every World Cup goal pushes upward.
Canada still face Qatar and Switzerland, giving him chances to add to his tally and press his case for Jesse Marsch’s starting 11.