Canada has earned a historic win on the big stage.
Les Rouges’ 6-0 result over Qatar in Vancouver on Thursday means the nation has its first ever win at the men’s World Cup. It’s also the largest margin of victory by a Concacaf team at the tournament, with Jonathan David netting a hat-trick.
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And what an emphatic way to get it.
The Group B matchup came after both sides drew in the first round of play. Canada drew 2-2 to Bosnia and Herzegovina while Qatar stunned Switzerland 1-1 with a late stoppage-time header. But there would be no contest in this one.
Canada, head coached by American Jesse Marsch, opened the scoring in the 16th minute after striker Cyle Larin pounced on a rebound off Qatari goalie Mahmud Abunada. It marked Larin’s second goal of the tournament after he scored vs. Bosnia.
David then got on the score sheet after a disappointing showing vs. Bosnia. And he got it in style, too.
Canada’s star striker brilliantly volleyed home a deflected shot inside the box to make it 2-0 in the 29th minute.
David wouldn’t be done scoring from there, but not before a Qatar red card. Center-back Homam Elamin was sent off in the 33rd minute after denying winger Tajon Buchanan of a clear goal-scoring opportunity once the Canadian got through on goal.
The 26-year-old David, who was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., tapped home off another rebounded shot, this time in stoppage time of the first half.
The second half featured a scary moment as Canada’s star midfielder Ismael Kone suffered a serious lower-leg injury following a tackle from Assim Madibo. Madibo was sent off to bring Qatar down to nine men.
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Kone’s replacement, youngster Nathan Saliba, scored the fourth goal in the 64th minute. Saliba curled in a direct free kick that bounced off the right post, the first such goal at this World Cup. He held up a jersey with the No. 8 on it in honor of Kone.
The fifth goal came in the 75th minute when substitute forward Jacob Shaffelburg forced defender Mohamed Al Mannai into an own goal.
David made it a hat-trick in the second minute of nine stoppage-time minutes, once again pouncing in the box as Saliba’s shot appeared to come into his path. He’s now tied with Lionel Messi atop the Golden Boot race with three goals.
It marks the first time Canada has won a World Cup game in the men’s tournament. Les Rouges made its debut in 1986 after withdrawing in 1962. They did not score in three games and conceded five. In 2022, just their second appearance, they managed to score twice but conceded seven as another three losses followed.
Canada will now play Switzerland in what is the marquee matchup of the group. First place will be on the line as the Swiss routed Bosnia 4-1 earlier Thursday.
Switzerland have the slight starpower edge, though Canada’s home crowd will be a key factor — especially if Alphonso Davies returns from injury. A draw would see Canada win the group thanks to goal difference, which would be a massive result.
Qatar and Bosnia will both look to stay alive as a third-place entry into the Round of 32, though the quality of each nation has been lackluster.
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