Historic victory for Canada
Canada achieved its first victory in a World Cup by beating Qatar 6-0, with a hat trick from Jonathan David. The North American team practically secured its place in the direct elimination round.
The Qataris played with nine men after the expulsions of Assim Madibo and Homan Ahmed. Madibo received the red card at the beginning of the second half for a strong tackle that injured Ismaël Koné. Ahmed was sent off in the first half for a foul on Tajon Buchanan.
The Canadian offensive was overwhelming. Cyle Larin opened the scoring in the 16th minute after a rebound. David extended the lead with a volley in the 29th. He then scored again in first-half stoppage time after a shot hit the crossbar. Nathan Saliba scored from a free kick in the 64th, and Mohamed Manai deflected a ball into his own goal in the 75th. David completed his hat trick in stoppage time, tying him with Lionel Messi as the only players with three goals in a game in this tournament.
“No one will forget this, no Canadian will forget this day,” coach Jesse Marsch said. “It’s an incredibly pivotal moment for everyone to understand that there is talent in this country.”
Prime Minister Mark Carney was among the 52,497 fans at BC Place, sitting next to FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
Koné’s injury mars the victory
The match was marked by the serious injury of Ismaël Koné. The player was knocked down from behind and fell to the grass with his left leg bent at a worrying angle. Madibo, visibly affected, was sent off. Koné was taken to the hospital to undergo surgery, accompanied by his family, according to Marsch.
For his part, Qatar’s coach, Julen Lopetegui, lamented: “It was a very tough match for many reasons. It was very difficult to face this match with two fewer players in this atmosphere.”
Canada tripled its World Cup goal total with this win. Alphonso Davies, recovered from injury, did not play. Moïse Bombito, also available, came on as a substitute.
Qatar, which had drawn 1-1 with Switzerland in its debut, is still without victory in a World Cup. Switzerland defeated Bosnia-Herzegovina 4-1 in the other Group B match.
