Vancouver, Canada: Jonathan David scored a brilliant hat-trick as Canada thrashed nine-man Qatar 6-0 on Thursday night to secure the country’s first-ever victory at a FIFA World Cup finals and move top of Group B.
The emphatic victory at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver marked a historic milestone for the tournament co-hosts, who produced a dominant display in front of their home supporters.
Canada got off to a flying start when Cyle Larin pounced on a rebound to open the scoring before David doubled the advantage with a clinical volley.
The Lille striker added his second from close range as Canada took full control against a struggling Qatar side.
However, the victory was overshadowed by a serious injury to Canadian midfielder Ismaël Koné, who was stretchered off early in the second half with an inflatable red boot on his left leg following a reckless challenge from Qatar’s Assim Madibo.
The incident resulted in Madibo being shown a straight red card, reducing Qatar to nine men after Homam Ahmed had earlier been sent off in the 34th minute.
Ahmed was initially penalized for a challenge on Tajon Buchanan that resulted in a penalty award before a VAR review determined the foul had occurred just outside the box. Nonetheless, the defender was dismissed, leaving Qatar with a mountain to climb.
Substitute Nathan Saliba ensured there would be no comeback when he fired home a stunning free-kick shortly after replacing the injured Koné.
Canada’s fifth goal arrived courtesy of an own goal from Mohamed Manai before David completed his memorable hat-trick in stoppage time with a composed left-footed finish.
The victory lifts Canada level on four points with Switzerland after two matches but sends the co-hosts to the summit of Group B on goal difference.
Canada will conclude their group-stage campaign against Switzerland on June 24 in Vancouver, while Qatar face Bosnia and Herzegovina in Seattle, needing a positive result to keep their progression hopes alive.
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