It was supposed to be a day of celebration for Canada as they thrashed nine-man Qatar 5-0 to secure their first win at the World Cup. However, the occasion was marred by an unfortunate injury to Ismael Kone, who had to be stretchered off the field.
CAN VS QAT HIGHLIGHTS
A hat-trick from Jonathan David and goals from Nathan Saliba and Cyle Larin had got the home side well on their way to a win as Qatar’s horrible day at the office was compounded by an own goal from Mohammed Manai. Canada were clinical with their performance and puts them in the driver’s seat to secure a spot to the next round, while Qatar could be on their way back home after the performance.
CANADA’S ATTACK STEPS UP
It was a day when Jesse Marsch decided not to include their talisman Alphonso Davies in the starting XI as the co-hosts were looking to build on their draw against Bosnia.
Canada had taken part in eight World Cup games before the match on Thursday, losing all of them and getting just two goals. It was Qatar who threatened early to take the game to the hosts with them getting an attempt early on.
But from that moment, it was just one-way traffic in Vancouver. David got his first sight of goal in the seventh minute as his shot was saved by Qatar’s Mahmub Abunada.
It was just a prelude to what was to come. At this point, Canada’s attack was coming from the right through Tajon Buchanan and Alistair Johnston. The duo was consistently beating their men and putting in crosses that Qatar failed to deal with. Johnston sent in a cross from the right and the initial shot was saved. But Cyle Larin was there at the right time in the 16th minute to make it 1-0.
Buchanan continued to be the threat and his deflected shot went straight to David, as he hit the ball first time and past the Qatar goalkeeper.
Five minutes later after the second goal, Homam Ahmed was deemed to have fouled Buchanan inside the box as a penalty was awarded. While VAR struck off the penalty, it gave Homam his marching orders in the 34th minute.
Canada continued to attack Qatar using the man advantage, and David got his second in stoppage time after a bit of a melee inside the box.
KONE’S INJURY PUTS SHADOW ON WIN
It was a day when Kone looked like he was on top of everything. Controlling the game from the midfield, the 24-year-old was enjoying himself at Vancouver.
But a poor challenge from Madibo meant that Kone’s campaign came to an abrupt end. The Qatar midfielder tackled Kone from behind and he went down instantly, with concern in both camps.
A major delay followed as Kone had to be taken off the field as Madibo was given a red card for his challenge.
The good thing for Canada fans was seeing Kone sit up and applaud the crowd as he made his way off the field. Unfortunately, that could be the last time Kone will play a match in the tournament.
Saliba got a fine freekick in the 64th minute and quickly dedicated the goal for Kone with a beautiful gesture.
By this time, Qatar’s damage control system couldn’t stop the onslaught as defender Mohammed Manai conceded an own goal, summing up Qatar’s day.
David then rounded off the win with a goal in stoppage time as Canada positioned themselves at the top of Group B. Canada will take on Switzerland, who secured a big win vs Bosnia earlier in the day.
Both teams will face each other on June 24. Qatar aren’t out of the race and will need to beat Bosnia on the same day to make it.
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