Canada thrashes Qatar at World Cup: David hat-trick, Kone seriously injured
Canada defeated Qatar 6-0 to secure their first-ever World Cup victory, but the match was overshadowed by a severe injury to Ismael Kone and two red cards for Qatar.
At BC Place Vancouver, Canada routed nine-man Qatar 6-0 in a Group B match, earning their historic first World Cup win. Jonathan David scored a hat-trick, with additional goals from Cyle Larin and Nathan Saliba, plus a Qatar own goal.
The game turned sour in the 51st minute when Qatar's Assim Madibo clumsily fouled Canadian midfielder Ismael Kone from behind. Kone writhed in pain, clutching his left leg, and was stretchered off with an oxygen mask, waving to the crowd. Madibo initially received a yellow card, but after VAR review it was upgraded to red, Qatar's second dismissal after Homam Ahmed was sent off in the first half.
After full-time, a brawl erupted between both teams on the halfway line, requiring FIFA volunteers and team staff to separate them. David said post-match that after Kone's injury, it was tough to focus and they just wanted the game to end. He called the win historic for Canada.
Canada now needs only a draw against Switzerland to top the group, while Qatar and Bosnia and Herzegovina will compete for third place.
