Canada recorded the first World Cup victory in their history with a dominant 6-0 win over Qatar at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver on Thursday.
The tournament co-hosts had lost all six of their previous World Cup matches. Those defeats came during the 1986 and 2022 tournaments. They finally ended that run with an impressive performance in front of their home fans.
Jonathan David starred for Canada with a hat-trick. Cyle Larin and Nathan Saliba also scored. Qatar defender Mohammad Manai added an own goal as Canada cruised to victory.
The result leaves Canada level on four points with Switzerland at the top of Group B. Canada lead the group on goal difference. A draw against Switzerland on June 24 will be enough to secure first place.
David Leads Canada’s Charge
Canada attacked with confidence from the start. David opened the scoring and continued to trouble the Qatar defence throughout the match.
The Juventus striker completed his hat-trick as Canada took full control of the contest. Larin and Saliba also got on the scoresheet to complete a memorable night for the hosts.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney watched from the stands wearing a Canada jersey. The crowd celebrated as the national team achieved a historic milestone.
“It will take a few days to sink in,” David said after the match.
“We know what we’ve done today is historic for the country. It was our first World Cup win, and to do it like this is amazing.”
Injury Worry for Kone
The victory came with a major concern for Canada.
Midfielder Ismael Kone suffered a serious left-leg injury in the second half. Qatar’s Assim Madibo brought him down with a late challenge in the 51st minute.
The referee first showed Madibo a yellow card. After a review, he changed the decision and sent the midfielder off.
Medical staff treated Kone on the pitch and gave him oxygen. They later carried him off on a stretcher. He waved to supporters as he left the field.
David admitted the injury affected the team.
“It was a great game before he got hurt,” he said. “After that, it became difficult to focus. We wanted the game to end so we could be together as a team.”
Qatar Reduced to Nine Men
Qatar’s problems started before Madibo’s dismissal.
Homam El-Amin received a red card in the first half for denying a clear goalscoring chance. His sending-off reduced Qatar to 10 men.
Madibo’s red card later left Qatar with only nine players. Canada took advantage of the extra space and scored three more goals in the second half.
The hosts boosted their goal difference and strengthened their position at the top of Group B.
Canada now head into their final group match full of confidence. A draw against Switzerland will see them finish as group winners and continue their impressive World Cup campaign.
