SOCCER: Canada make history, rout Qatar for first World Cup victory

Jonathan David’s hat trick powered Jonathan David and Canada to a historic 6-0 victory over nine-man Qatar on Thursday in Vancouver, securing the nation’s first-ever World Cup win at BC Place in a Group B clash.

The result marked a breakthrough moment for Canada, which entered the match with an 0-6-1 record in previous World Cup appearances. After opening the tournament with a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 12, the co-hosts delivered a commanding performance in front of a jubilant home crowd.

Canada took control early and doubled its lead in the 29th minute when David reacted quickest to a deflected attempt from Tajon Buchanan, driving the ball past Qatar goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada from close range.

In first-half stoppage time, David struck again to make it 3-0. A header from Cyle Larin off a cross from Alistair Johnston forced a save, but David pounced on the rebound to finish from point-blank range.

Canada extended its dominance in the second half as Nathan Saliba added a goal in the 64th minute. Qatar’s struggles deepened when defender Mohamed Manai turned the ball into his own net in the 75th minute.

David completed his hat trick in stoppage time to cap a record-setting performance. He became only the second player from the CONCACAF region to score a World Cup hat trick, joining American forward Bert Patenaude in 1930.

“Obviously, we know that what we’ve done today is historical for the country, our first one in the World Cup, and to do it in that fashion is really amazing,” David said.

Goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau did not face a single shot on target as Canada controlled the match from start to finish.

Qatar’s discipline unraveled further when Homam Ahmed and Assim Madibo were both sent off, leaving the Asian side with nine men.

Canada also suffered a setback when midfielder Ismaël Koné went down with an apparent lower-leg injury in the 51st minute and was stretchered off. Despite the concern, Canada maintained control until the final whistle.

“I think it was already a great game even before he got hurt,” David added. “But after he got hurt, it was tough to focus. We just wanted to finish the game and be together.”

Both teams will conclude Group B action on Wednesday. Canada will face Switzerland in Vancouver, while Qatar meets Bosnia and Herzegovina in Seattle. -Field Level Media/Reuters