Canada thrash Qatar 6-0 in first World Cup victory

Canada achieved a historic milestone on Thursday, securing their first World Cup victory with a dominant 6-0 thrashing of nine-man Qatar. The win, which took place at Vancouver's BC Place Stadium, ended a streak of six consecutive losses in previous World Cup finals for the co-hosts.

Juventus striker Jonathan David led the charge with a hat-trick, supported by goals from Cyle Larin and Nathan Saliba, and an own goal from Qatar's Mohammad Manai. The emphatic victory leaves Canada needing just one point against Switzerland to potentially top Group B.

However, the celebratory mood was dampened by a serious left leg injury sustained by midfielder Ismael Kone in the 51st minute. Kone was stretchered off after a challenge from Qatar's Assim Madibo, who received a red card for the foul. The injury cast a shadow over the historic win, with David acknowledging the difficulty in focusing after Kone's departure.

Qatar's already difficult match worsened as Homam el-Amin was also sent off in the first half, leaving them with nine players. Canada capitalized on the numerical advantage, scoring three goals in the second half to significantly improve their goal difference. They now sit level on points with Switzerland at the top of the group.

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It was a great game even before (Kone) got hurt, but I think after he got hurt it was tough to focus on the game, even finishing the game… we just wanted the game to end so we could all be together. It will take a few days to sink in but obviously we know that what we’ve done today is historical for the country, our first win in the World Cup, and to do it in that fashion is really amazing.