Jonathan David's hat-trick gives Canada its first win at the World Cup
Jonathan David scored a hat-trick, leading Canada to a historic 6-0 victory over Qatar, marking their first victory at the FIFA World Cup.
Jonathan David scored three goals, helping Canada to its first win in World Cup history by defeating Qatar 6-0 on Thursday night. Qatar were disadvantaged by being down to nine players due to red cards in a chaotic match. Assim Madibo was sent off at the beginning of the second half after making a dangerous tackle on Ismael Kone, who had to leave the field with a serious injury to his left leg. Homan Ahmed was also sent off in the first half for a tackle on Tajon Buchanan. With this rain of goals, Canada has scored a total of three goals in World Cups. Cyle Larin scored in Canada's first-ever draw against Bosnia-Herzegovina, while Alphonso Davies scored four years ago in a loss to Croatia in Qatar, where Canada also scored a goal thanks to a Moroccan own goal. The Canadian team did not score in three matches at the 1986 World Cup. "No one will forget this, and no Canadian will forget today," coach Jesse Marsch said, holding up his hand with six fingers as he left the field. "This is an incredibly important moment for people to understand that there is talent in this country, there is mentality, there is desire and there are so many things that make this country special." Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney was also among the 52,497 spectators at BC Place after missing the match in Toronto last week because of the G7 conference in France. He sat next to FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Larin scored his second of the tournament in the 16th minute off a rebound. Qatar goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada punched the ball away after David's shot but it fell right at Larin's feet, who celebrated by pointing at his ear as the crowd behind him cheered. David doubled the lead with a right-footed volley in the 29th minute, scoring his first goal from open play in more than a year. Ahmed was sent off with a red card in the 33rd minute. The referee initially pointed to the penalty spot, but after reviewing the video, Canada was awarded a free kick just outside the box and Ahmed's original yellow card was changed to a red card. Canada made it 3-0 in first-half stoppage time when David scored in a goalmouth scramble after a shot ricocheted off the crossbar. Qatar's players stood with their hands on their hips in frustration while Canada celebrated. Canada's players surrounded Kone when he suffered a scary injury early in the second half, and Madibo was visibly distressed before being sent off. Nathan Saliba, who replaced Kone, scored from a free kick in the 64th minute to make it 4-0. Mohamed Manai scored an own goal in the 75th minute, bringing the score to 5-0. David completed his hat-trick in extra time, joining Argentina's Lionel Messi as the only people to score three goals in a single match at this World Cup. "This was a very difficult match for many reasons. The players tried their best. It was difficult to face this match without two players in this environment," said Qatar coach Julen Lopetegui. Canada captain Alphonso Davies was available after missing the opening match due to recovery from a hamstring injury. Moise Bombito was also available after sitting out the first match, but neither player played. Qatar scored a goal deep into stoppage time to claim a surprise 1-1 draw with Group B favorites Switzerland in their opening match. The Gulf nation is still searching for its first World Cup win after losing all its group matches four years ago as hosts. Switzerland defeated Bosnia-Herzegovina 4-1 that day in Group B.
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