Canada defeated nine-man Qatar 6-0 on Thursday to claim their first World Cup victory, while Switzerland revived their campaign with a thumping defeat over Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Canada had lost all six previous World Cup matches, including the finals in 1986 and 2022, but they ended that streak in dramatic fashion at Vancouver’s BC Place Stadium.
Jesse Marsch’s team ran riot in front of a raucous crowd, with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney sporting a replica Canada shirt. They now need only a point against Switzerland to finish first in Group B.
A hat-trick by Juventus attacker Jonathan David, one goal each from Cyle Larin and Nathan Saliba, and an own goal by Mohammad Manai clinched Canada’s victory.
However, the triumph was marred by a catastrophic left leg injury sustained by midfielder Ismael Kone, who was stretchered off after being clumsily upended by Qatar’s Assim Madibo in the 51st minute.
Madibo was initially issued a yellow card for the challenge, which was later escalated to red. The injured Kone was given oxygen as he was carried off the field, waving to 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.
“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 dismissal reduced Qatar to nine men after Homam el-Amin was sent off in the first half for denying a goal-scoring opportunity.
Canada capitalized on their numerical advantage, scoring three times in the second half to significantly increase their goal difference.
The Canadians are tied with Switzerland at the top of the group with four points, but their better goal difference means they will win Group B if the two teams draw in Vancouver on June 24.
