Canadian PM Carney praises team's character after historic World Cup win

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney visited the national soccer team in their locker room following their historic first World Cup finals match win. He commended the players for their character, particularly in how they handled a teammate's serious injury during the game.

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Let me just begin by acknowledging what you’re all feeling, I think, and the nation’s feeling, the terrible injury of Ismael ... and it’s in moments like that, that you see character in a real team.

Canada achieved a resounding 6-0 victory over Qatar in Vancouver. However, the triumph was bittersweet due to a severe leg injury sustained by midfielder Ismael Kone after a tackle from behind by Qatar's Assim Madibo. Madibo received a red card for the foul. Moments later, Nathan Saliba, who replaced Kone, scored to make it 4-0. He celebrated by holding up Kone's number eight jersey, kissing it, and making the sign of the cross.

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Kone applauds the fans coming off, he shakes the hands of the Qataris coming off. Saliba comes on, steps up, scores. You hold up his jersey and you celebrate around that, you keep your cool.

"Let me just begin by acknowledging what you’re all feeling, I think, and the nation’s feeling, the terrible injury of Ismael ... and it’s in moments like that, that you see character in a real team," Carney said in a video posted to his Instagram account, with the players gathered around him. He praised Kone's sportsmanship in applauding fans and shaking hands with opponents as he left the field, and Saliba's immediate impact. "Saliba comes on, steps up, scores. You hold up his jersey and you celebrate around that, you keep your cool."

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You showed a level of character that some people never achieve in their life, and you showed it when the entire country and a good part of the world is watching. And if they didn’t watch, they will have watched by tomorrow.

Despite the emotional impact of Kone's injury, the Canadian players quickly regrouped. By the end of the match, they were level on points with Switzerland, their next opponent in Group B, and led on goal difference. Carney expressed immense pride on behalf of all Canadians, thanking the team for their dedication and effort. He noted that their performance, showcasing remarkable character, was witnessed by the entire country and would be recognized globally.

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I’ll just say I couldn’t be prouder as a Canadian. And on behalf of all Canadians, I just want to thank you for everything you put in to get here.