Jonathan David scored three goals as Canada claimed its first World Cup victory, routing nine-man Qatar 6-0 on Thursday in Vancouver to all but secure a spot in the knockout round.
Match Overview
The chaotic Group B encounter saw Qatar reduced to nine players after two red cards. Assim Madibo was sent off early in the second half for a dangerous tackle on Ismael Kone, who was stretchered off with a serious lower left leg injury. Homan Ahmed received a straight red card in the first half for a challenge on Tajon Buchanan.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney attended the match after missing the team's opener due to the G7 summit in France, sitting alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
First Half Dominance
Cyle Larin opened the scoring in the 16th minute, pouncing on a rebound after Qatar goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada punched away David's volley. Larin pointed to his ears in celebration as the red-clad crowd roared.
David doubled the lead in the 29th minute with a right-footed volley, his first goal from open play in over a year. Ahmed's red card followed in the 33rd minute after a VAR review upgraded his initial yellow to a straight red and changed the penalty decision to a free kick just outside the box.
Canada made it 3-0 in first-half stoppage time when David scored in a goalmouth scramble after a shot deflected off the crossbar. Qatari players stood with hands on hips in frustration.
Second Half Onslaught
Early in the second half, Kone's injury caused concern among Canada players, and Madibo was visibly distraught before his ejection. Substitute Nathan Saliba scored a free kick in the 64th minute to make it 4-0. Mohamed Manai then deflected a shot into his own net for an own goal in the 75th minute.
David completed his hat trick in stoppage time, joining Argentina's Lionel Messi as the only players with three goals in a match in this World Cup.
Team News and Group Standings
Canada captain Alphonso Davies was available after missing the opener with a hamstring injury, but did not play. Moise Bombito also returned from injury but remained on the bench. Canada had drawn 1-1 with Bosnia-Herzegovina in its opening match.
Qatar, seeking its first World Cup win after losing all group matches as host in 2022, had drawn 1-1 with Group B favorite Switzerland in its opener. Switzerland later defeated Bosnia-Herzegovina 4-1 on Thursday to stay in contention.
