Jonathan David guides Canada to its first World Cup victory

Canada achieves its first World Cup victory with a 6-0 victory over Qatar. Jonathan David scores three goals.

Historic Canadian triumph

Vancouver, Canada — Jonathan David scored a hat trick and Canada earned its first win in World Cup history by beating Qatar 6-0 on Thursday. The result all but assures the Canadians a spot in the knockout round.

Qatar finished with nine players after two expulsions. Assim Madibo received a red card at the beginning of the second half for a strong challenge on Ismaël Koné, who suffered a fracture in his left leg and was taken off on a stretcher. Homan Ahmed was sent off in the first half for a foul on Tajon Buchanan.

RelatedCanada makes history with a 6-0 win over Qatar

With this win, Canada tripled its historical goal production in World Cups. Cyle Larin opened the scoring in the 16th minute after a rebound. David extended the lead with a volley in the 29th. Before the break, David scored again in a scrum to make it 3-0.

Nathan Saliba, Koné’s replacement, scored from a free kick in the 64th. Mohamed Manai then deflected a shot against his own goal in the 75th minute. David closed the scoring with his third goal in added time.

Concern about Koné’s injury

The victory was marred by Koné’s serious injury. His teammates surrounded him in anguish after he was left lying on the grass. Madibo was also visibly shaken before his expulsion. Koné was taken to a hospital to undergo surgery, coach Jesse Marsch reported.

“No one will forget this day,” declared Marsch. “It is a fundamental moment to show that there is talent, mentality and desire in this country.”

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney attended the match alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Alphonso Davies was available but did not play due to a previous injury.

Canada has three points in Group B, while Qatar still has not won a World Cup match. Switzerland leads the group after beating Bosnia-Herzegovina 4-1.

Without goals but with a guaranteed ticket: Colombia and Portugal tie

A scoreless draw in Miami qualifies both teams to the next round.

No goals, but with guaranteed classification

Colombia and Portugal starred in an intense duel at the Miami stadium, with a full house and a majority of coffee fans. The score did not move: 0-0.

In the first half, Colombia had more possession and generated more arrivals, but failed to score. Portugal stood firm in defense. Cristiano Ronaldo did not have clear options.

The intensity did not decline in the second half. While the Colombians looked for the goal, the Lusitanians responded with danger. However, the tie prevailed.

With this result, Colombia finished leader of Group K with 7 points. Portugal was second with 5 units. Both teams advance to the next round of the tournament.

The match reflected the competitiveness of two teams that chose to secure their place without risking too much.

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Modric breaks record and Croatia advances in the World Cup

Croatia beats Ghana 2-1; Modric, the oldest to provide assistance.

Croatia sealed its place in the round of 16 of the World Cup by beating Ghana 2-1. The match, played on Saturday at the Philadelphia Eagles stadium, left a historical mark: Luka Modric, at 40 years and 291 days old, became the oldest player to give an assist in the history of the tournament.

A triumph with a seal of experience

The Croatian midfielder took a corner kick that Nikola Vlašic headed home in the 83rd minute to spark the celebration. Before, Petar Sucic had opened the scoring at 31′ with a powerful shot from outside the area. Ghana temporarily tied the score thanks to Derrick Luckassen in the 73rd minute, but could not maintain the tie.

“I told him after the game: you play like you’re 20 years old,” Sucic declared. “He was incredible today. He is our leader, our best player.”

Modric played his 200th game with the Croatian team and was once again key. Their attendance broke the record that dated back to 1966. Vlašic also praised the captain:

“It seems as if he has gone back 10 years in time. One of the best performances I have seen from him with Croatia.”

Ghana, to the second round despite the defeat

Despite the result, Ghana advanced to the knockout phase for the first time since 2010. Coach Carlos Queiroz lamented the defensive error that cost him the winning goal:

“Two easy goals. When you score one more than your opponent, it means you deserve to win.”

Croatia finished second in Group L, only behind England. Ghana came third. Modric, winner of the Ballon d’Or in 2018, continues to be the soul of the ‘Vatreni’ at 40 years old.

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Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal define group against Colombia

Portugal has already qualified for the round of 16; Cristiano seeks the leadership of the group against Colombia.

Portugal seeks leadership

With a ticket to the round of 16 secured, Portugal faces Colombia this Saturday in Miami. The match will define the winner of Group K.

Cristiano Ronaldo arrived in the city with a light jacket, despite the almost 38 degrees Celsius. He was wearing a T-shirt and shorts, and gave a thumbs-up to fans waiting for his bus.

Historical goals

The Portuguese striker has two goals in this World Cup, reaching 10 in six World Cups. He is the only player in history to score in six different editions of the tournament.

Possible crossing with Messi

If Portugal wins, it will be the leader of the group and will be on the same side of the table as Argentina. That would open the door to a confrontation between Cristiano and Lionel Messi in the quarterfinals, on July 11.

Colombia, for its part, needs to win to top the group. The match promises intensity at the close of the group stage.

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