Co-hosts Canada produced a dominant performance as they thrashed nine-man Qatar 6-0 to secure their first-ever FIFA World Cup victory in a Group B clash on Thursday. Jonathan David scored a hat-trick, while Cyle Larin and Nathan Saliba scored one goal each. An own goal by Qatar completed the rout at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver.
Canada is now well placed in the group and needs just a draw against Switzerland in their next match to finish top. Qatar and Bosnia and Herzegovina will now fight to finish third. The Canadian Prime Minister and several other high-profile dignitaries were in attendance, but the celebrations were marred after midfielder Ismael Koné suffered a serious injury in the 51st minute. Qatar's Assim Madibo caught Koné with a reckless challenge from behind, leaving the Italy-based midfielder writhing in pain and clutching his left leg.
Qatar was reduced to nine men after receiving two red cards, which left large gaps in their defence that Canada ruthlessly exploited. Canada maintained relentless pressure on one of Asia’s top-ranked sides and scored repeatedly. The match descended into chaos after the final whistle when players from both teams brawled on the halfway line and had to be separated by FIFA officials and team staff.
“It was a great game even before [Koné] got hurt, but I think after he got hurt, it was tough to focus… We just wanted the game to end so we could all be together,” David said after the match.
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