Canada crushed nine-man Qatar 6-0 to get their first-ever World Cup win on Thursday. This victory also came as Switzerland got back on track by defeating Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Canada, co-hosting the tournament, had lost all six of their past World Cup matches in 1986 and 2022. But they broke that losing streak in a big way at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver.
With Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney wearing a Canada jersey, the excited crowd watched Jesse Marsch’s team dominate. This win puts Canada in a good spot, needing just a point against Switzerland to top Group B.
Jonathan David from Juventus scored a hat-trick. Cyle Larin and Nathan Saliba each added a goal. An own goal by Mohammad Manai also helped Canada seal the win.
However, the victory was shadowed by a serious injury to midfielder Ismael Kone. He was taken off on a stretcher after Qatar’s Assim Madibo tackled him carelessly in the 51st minute.
Madibo received a yellow card for the foul, which was later changed to a red card. Kone got oxygen as he was carried off, and he waved to the fans.
“It was a great game even before (Kone) got hurt, but I think after he got hurt it was tough to focus on the game, even finishing the game… we just wanted the game to end so we could all be together,” David said.
David also said, “It will take a few days to sink in but obviously we know that what we’ve done today is historical for the country, our first win in the World Cup, and to do it in that fashion is really amazing.”
Madibo’s red card left Qatar with just nine players. Homam el-Amin was sent off in the first half for denying a scoring chance.
Canada took full advantage of the situation, scoring three times in the second half to significantly improve their goal difference.
Canada and Switzerland both have four points at the top of the group. But Canada will win Group B if they draw against Switzerland in Vancouver on June 24.
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