Canada 6-0 Qatar – David scores hat-trick in historic first World Cup win for hosts
Striker Jonathan David produced a superb performance as hosts Canada defeated nine-man Qatar 6-0 for their first World Cup victory in Vancouver.
Canada, who lost Ismael Kone to a serious injury, now have four points from their first two games and look in good shape to advance to the group stage for the first time.
Jesse Marsch’s side were relentless from the off and Qatar had no response to their direct, attacking play which saw Cyle Larin and David both score within half an hour.
Qatar were reduced to ten men as Homam El Amin saw red and David grabbed a second before the break.
Canada’s win was marred by what appeared to be a serious injury to Kone who was sent off early in the second half in an incident that saw Asim Madibo sent off.
The players of both teams were shocked by the injury, but the Sassuolo midfielder ended up sitting on his back and addressed the crowd when he left the field.
Nathan Saliba scored a free-kick, Canada forced a goal from Mohammad Al Manai before David sealed the win with a third in stoppage time.
He is equal to the legendary Lionel Messi for the golden shoe.
Canada got off to a good start with Juventus striker David getting a volley saved by Mahmoud Abunada before beating the home crowd.
Southampton striker Larin looked dangerous and quickly became the first Canadian player to score more than one point at the men’s World Cup with a header.
David’s powerful shot was deflected by Abunada and Larin, whose equalizer earned Canada their first World Cup win last week, pounced on the ball to score his 32nd international goal.
Star player Alphonso Davies was again confined to the bench due to injury but the Canadian forwards were firing without him and David went through 2-0.
David turned and volleyed home after Tajon Buchanan’s shot was blocked to the delight of the home crowd.
After a few seconds, Buchanan came out and was moved by El Amin and the referee Cristian Reyes pointed there.
After a VAR review, the decision was changed to a free-kick just outside the box and as a result El Amin ended up registering a red card for denying a goal-scoring opportunity.
The tournament’s fifth red card means we have already had the most in any Qatar tournament in the last four years.
Ali Ahmed curled a free-kick high before Buchanan cleared a shot off the line.
Canada looked to be in full swing and goalscorer David hunted for a second in added time, tapping in after Larin saw a header saved.
Qatar was tied 5-5 in the second half to try to avoid defeat and Canada then lost to Kone who appeared to have a broken leg.
He was caught by Madibo, who was frustrated when he was delayed for a long time as players and officials from both sides clashed.
Madibo was initially booked but that was escalated to a red card, leaving Qatar with nine players in the last 35 minutes.
Saliba then fired in a free-kick – his first of the tournament – to make it 4-0 before Al Manai turned in Jacob Shaffelburg’s cross.
David completed his treble in the 92nd minute when he collected a shot from Saliba to turn and drive in to take his tally to 42 international goals.
Group B will conclude on June 24 when Canada will face Switzerland and Qatar will face Bosnia. Canada and Switzerland both have four points after Switzerland’s hard-fought win earlier on Thursday.
