SOCCER: David hat-trick as Canada crush nine-man Qatar 6-0 to earn first World Cup finals win

VANCOUVER — Jonathan David scored a hat trick as Canada cruised to a dominant 6-0 victory over nine-man Qatar on Thursday, earning their first win at the World Cup finals and moving ahead of Switzerland atop Group B.

The match turned heavily in Canada’s favor after Qatar were reduced to nine players. Homam Ahmed was sent off in the 34th minute for a foul on Tajon Buchanan, a challenge that initially resulted in a penalty but was downgraded to a free kick following a video review confirming the contact occurred outside the penalty area. Later in the second half, Assim Madibo also received a red card for a dangerous challenge on Ismael Koné.

Canada capitalized on their numerical advantage throughout the match. Cyle Larin opened the scoring by converting a rebound inside the box before David added the second with a well-taken volley. He then doubled his tally from close range to give Canada firm control before halftime.

After the break, Nathan Saliba extended the lead shortly after coming on for the injured Koné, striking home from a free kick to make it 4-0. Qatar’s misery deepened when Mohamed Manai turned the ball into his own net, pushing the score to 5-0. David completed his hat trick in stoppage time with a composed left-foot finish.

Canada now sit level with Switzerland on four points from two matches but lead the group on goal difference. They will face Switzerland in Vancouver on June 24 in a decisive final group-stage match, while Qatar will meet Bosnia and Herzegovina in Seattle. -Reporting by Frank Pingue in Toronto, editing by Ed Osmond/Reuters