LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – Jonathan David scored a hat-trick as Canada cruised to a 6-0 victory over Qatar in Vancouver on Thursday, sending the co-hosts to the top of their World Cup group.
The emphatic win was Canada’s first-ever World Cup victory and equalled the biggest winning margin by a host nation in tournament history, matching six-goal victories recorded by Italy in 1934, Brazil in 1950 and Argentina in 1978.
Canada also doubled their all-time World Cup goal tally with the six-goal haul.
David and Larin shine
Cyle Larin opened the scoring in the 16th minute after Qatar goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada could only parry Jonathan David’s volley into his path.
David doubled Canada’s advantage in the 29th minute with a right-footed volley before Qatar were reduced to 10 men four minutes later when Homam Ahmed’s yellow card was upgraded to a red following a VAR review.
The Lille striker grabbed his second in first-half stoppage time after reacting quickest to a loose ball inside the box.
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Substitute Nathan Saliba made it 4-0 with a free-kick in the 64th minute before Mohamed Manai turned the ball into his own net 11 minutes later. David completed his hat-trick in stoppage time to cap a memorable evening, becoming only the second player after Lionel Messi to score three goals in a match at this year’s World Cup.
Canada head coach Jesse Marsch praised his side after the final whistle.
“No one will forget this, and no Canadian will forget this day,” Marsch said. “It’s an incredibly seminal moment for everyone to understand that there’s talent in this country, that there’s mentality, that there’s desire.”
Koné suffers serious injury
The victory was overshadowed by a serious injury to Ismaël Koné, who suffered a broken leg after a heavy challenge from Assim Madibo in the second half.
Madibo was shown a straight red card, reducing Qatar to nine players, while Marsch later confirmed Koné will require surgery.
Canada captain Alphonso Davies returned to the matchday squad after missing the opening game with a hamstring injury, while Moïse Bombito was back from suspension. Neither player featured as Marsch opted to manage their fitness.
Canada close in on knockout stage
The victory moved Canada onto four points, level with Switzerland but ahead on goal difference, leaving the co-hosts on the verge of reaching the knockout stage ahead of their final Group B match against the Swiss in Vancouver.
Switzerland had earlier defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 4-1, while Qatar remain without a World Cup victory after also losing all three matches as hosts in 2022.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who missed the team’s opening match because of the G7 summit, watched from the stands alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino as Canada celebrated a historic night.
