Jonathan David scored a hat trick as Canada claimed their first ever FIFA World Cup win with a dominant 6-0 victory over Qatar on Friday.
The result moved Canada close to a place in the knockout stage. The team also increased their total World Cup goals tally in style after a powerful display in front of its home fans.
The match turned chaotic as Qatar finished with only nine players. Homan Ahmed received a red card in the first half after a challenge on Tajon Buchanan. Assim Madibo was also sent off early in the second half after a dangerous tackle on Ismaël Koné.
The win came at a cost for Canada. Kone suffered a serious leg injury after the challenge from Madibo. Medical staff rushed onto the field and teammates gathered around him in concern. He was later taken to hospital and prepared for surgery. Canada coach Jesse Marsch said Kone’s family was with him.
Canada took the lead in the 16th minute. Jonathan David’s volley was pushed away by goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada, but Cyle Larin reacted first and scored from the rebound. It was Larin’s second goal of the tournament.
David doubled the lead in the 29th minute with a fine right footed volley. Four minutes later, Qatar went down to 10 men when Ahmed’s yellow card was upgraded to a red after a video review.
Canada struck again in first half stoppage time. David found the net from close range after a shot bounced back off the crossbar. The goal gave the hosts a 3-0 lead at the break.
Nathan Saliba added a fourth goal in the 64th minute. The midfielder, who came on after Koné’s injury, scored directly from a free kick.
Canada made it 5-0 in the 75th minute when Mohamed Manai turned the ball into his own net under pressure.
David completed his hat-trick in stoppage time. The striker became only the second player to score three goals in a match at this World Cup, joining Lionel Messi.
Marsch praised his players after the historic result.
“No one will forget this day,” he said. “It shows the talent, desire and mentality that this country has.”
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney watched the match from the stands alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino as more than 52,000 fans filled BC Place.
Qatar coach Julen Lopetegui admitted the task became impossible after the two red cards.
“It was a very tough match,” he said. “The players did their best. It was very difficult with two players less.”
Canada captain Alphonso Davies was available after recovering from a hamstring injury but did not play. Moïse Bombito also returned and came on as a second half substitute.
Qatar remains without a World Cup win. The side drew 1-1 with Switzerland in its opening match but now faces a difficult path to the next round.
Earlier in the day, Switzerland beat Bosnia and Herzegovina 4-1 in the other Group B match.
