VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — Jonathan David scores three goals to give Canada its first win. world cup They defeated Qatar 6-0 on Thursday, almost sealing their place in the knockout stages.
Qatar were reduced to nine men after a red card in the chaotic match. Asim Madibo was given a red early in the second half after being tackled by Ismael Kone, who suffered a serious injury to his lower left foot. Homan Ahmed was sent off in the first half for a challenge on Tajon Buchanan.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney attended the game after missing his team’s opening game in Toronto last week due to the G7 summit in France. He was seated with FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
Cyle Larin scored his second goal of the tournament off a rebound in the 16th minute. Qatar goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada smashed David’s volley, but it fell into the hands of Larin. As the red-clad crowd roared, Larin celebrated by pointing to his ears.
David cut the lead to two points in the 29th minute with a right-footed volley, scoring his first goal in over a year.
Ahmed was sent off with a red card in the 33rd minute. Officials initially pointed to the penalty spot, but after a video review, Canada was awarded a free kick just outside the box, and the initial yellow card given to Ahmed was changed to a red.
Canada made it 3-0 in first-half stoppage time when David scrambled in front of the net and scored a shot that hit the crossbar. As Canada celebrated, Qatar’s players stood with their hands on their hips in frustration.
When Kone suffered the horrific injury early in the second half, concerned Canadian players surrounded him and Madibo was visibly distraught before he was sent off.
Nathan Saliba, who replaced Kone, scored a free kick in the 64th minute to make it 4-0. In the 75th minute, Mohamed Manai deflected a shot past the goalkeeper and into his own net.
David scored a hat-trick in stoppage time, joining Argentina’s Lionel Messi as the only players to score three goals in one game at this World Cup.
Canada captain Alphonso Davies missed the opening game while recovering from a hamstring injury, but was available. Moise Bonvito, who missed Canada’s first World Cup match, is also available. 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina Friday in Toronto. Neither Davis nor Bonvito played.
Qatar held out a surprising 1-1 draw with Group B favorites Switzerland in their opening match, scoring in stoppage time. The Persian Gulf nation was looking for its first World Cup victory after losing all of its group games four years ago as hosts.
In Group B, Switzerland defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 4-1.
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