Canada made history on Friday with its first-ever World Cup victory, thrashing Qatar 6-0 in Vancouver in their third group game. The result, powered by a dominant all-around performance from Jesse Marsch’s team, moved Canada to first place in Group 2 with four points, level with Switzerland, and kept its hopes of reaching the round of 32 alive.
Jonathan David was the standout, scoring a hat trick in the 29th, 45th and 92nd minutes. He opened his account with a powerful volley after controlling a high ball, then added a stoppage-time goal before halftime and completed his treble at the end. David, a Juventus striker who had arrived at the tournament in poor form, produced his best display of the competition in front of the home crowd.
Canada struck first through Southampton forward Cyle Larin in the 16th minute, when he pounced on a rebound after a save by Qatar goalkeeper Abu Nada. Saliba made it 4-0 in the 64th minute with a superb free kick after coming on for the injured Ismaïla Koné, and later celebrated by holding up Koné’s shirt. Canada’s fifth came in the 75th minute when Mohammed Al Manaai scored into his own net.
Qatar, Asia’s champion, were overwhelmed throughout and finished with nine players after two red cards. Homam Ahmed was sent off in the 31st minute, and Assim Madibo followed in the 51st after a hard foul on Koné, who had to leave on a stretcher. Qatar, coached by Julen Lopetegui, now needs a strong result against Bosnia in the final round to stay in contention, while Canada will face Switzerland with qualification largely in its own hands.
