Canada recorded their first-ever FIFA World Cup finals victory with a dominant 6-0 win over nine-man Qatar on Thursday, but the historic result was overshadowed by a serious-looking injury to midfielder, Ismael Kone.
Kone was stretchered off midway through the second half following a heavy challenge from Qatar’s Assim Omer Madibo during a lengthy stoppage in Vancouver. Madibo was initially shown a yellow card, but the decision was upgraded to a red following a VAR review. The Canadian international, visibly in pain, was able to sit up and acknowledge supporters as he was carried around the pitch while receiving treatment.
The injury left Canada manager Jesse Marsch in tears and could prove a major setback for the co-hosts’ hopes of progressing deep into the tournament.
Before the incident, Canada had produced a commanding display. Cyle Larin opened the scoring in the 16th minute before Jonathan David struck twice to give his side a 3-0 lead by half-time.
Qatar’s difficulties were compounded when Homam El Amin was sent off in the 33rd minute for a professional foul on Tajon Buchanan, reducing the visitors to 10 men before Madibo’s later dismissal left them with nine.
Nathan Saliba extended Canada’s advantage with a curling free-kick in the 63rd minute and dedicated the goal to Kone by holding up his teammate’s shirt. An own goal from Mohammad Al Mannai made it five before David completed his hat-trick in stoppage time.
The emphatic victory leaves Canada top of Group B, level on points with Switzerland but ahead on goal difference, as attention now turns to the severity of Kone’s injury.
Oluwagbemisola Babalola
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