Jonathan David scored a hat-trick as co-hosts Canada thrashed nine-man Qatar 6-0 in Vancouver to register their first-ever FIFA World Cup victory and move closer to the Round of 32.
David bags hat-trick as Canada thrash Qatar 6-0 in Group B/ Credit: FIFA
Jonathan David struck a memorable hat-trick as co-hosts Canada stormed to their first-ever FIFA World Cup victory with a dominant 6-0 win over nine-man Qatar in a Group B clash at BC Place on Friday (IST).
Backed by a passionate home crowd, Canada delivered an attacking masterclass to move to four points from two matches and edge closer to a place in the Round of 32. The emphatic victory leaves Jesse Marsch’s side needing only a draw against Switzerland in their final group game to secure top spot.
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After a lively start, Canada took control in the 16th minute when Cyle Larin reacted quickest to convert a rebound and open the scoring. Jonathan David doubled the advantage 13 minutes later, producing a stunning volley that flew past goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada and sent the Vancouver crowd into celebration.
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David struck again before the break to put Canada firmly in command, while Qatar struggled to contain the hosts’ relentless attacking pressure.
The one sour note for Canada came shortly after half-time when midfielder Ismael Kone suffered a serious-looking injury following a reckless challenge from Qatar’s Assim Madibo.
Kone was left in visible pain after the tackle and had to be stretchered off the pitch while receiving oxygen treatment. Following a VAR review, Madibo’s yellow card was upgraded to a red, reducing Qatar to 10 men and compounding their difficult evening.
Canada quickly capitalised on the numerical advantage. Nathan Saliba, who had replaced the injured Kone, curled home a superb free-kick in the 64th minute before dedicating his goal to his teammate by holding up Kone’s jersey in an emotional celebration.
Qatar’s woes deepened when they were reduced to nine men, allowing Canada to completely dominate the closing stages. A fierce effort from substitute Jacob Shaffelburg was turned into his own net by defender Mohammad Manai to make it 5-0.
David then completed his hat-trick deep into stoppage time to cap a historic night for the hosts and seal Canada’s biggest-ever World Cup victory.
The feat also saw David become the first player to score a World Cup hat-trick on home soil since England’s Geoff Hurst achieved the landmark in the 1966 final.
With momentum firmly on their side, Canada will now look to seal first place in Group B when they face Switzerland in their final group-stage match.
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