Canada secured their first-ever FIFA World Cup finals victory with a dominant 6-0 win over nine-man Qatar on Thursday, but the result was overshadowed by a serious injury to midfielder Ismael Kone.
Kone was stretchered off midway through the second half after a heavy challenge from Qatar’s Assim Omer Madibo during a stoppage in Vancouver.
Madibo was initially shown a yellow card, but VAR review upgraded the decision to a red card.
The Canadian midfielder was visibly in pain but managed to acknowledge fans as he was carried off the pitch for treatment.
The injury left Canada manager Jesse Marsch emotional and raised concerns over Kone’s tournament availability.
Before the incident, Canada delivered a dominant attacking performance.
Cyle Larin opened scoring in the 16th minute before Jonathan David struck twice to give Canada a 3-0 half-time lead.
Qatar’s task became harder when Homam El Amin was sent off in the 33rd minute for a professional foul on Tajon Buchanan.
Madibo’s later dismissal reduced Qatar to nine men.
Nathan Saliba extended Canada’s lead with a curling free-kick in the 63rd minute and dedicated the goal to Kone.
He held up his teammate’s shirt in a show of support.
An own goal from Mohammad Al Mannai made it 5-0 before David completed his hat-trick in stoppage time..
The result leaves Canada top of Group B, level on points with Switzerland but ahead on goal difference.
Attention now shifts to the severity of Kone’s injury and its impact on Canada’s campaign.
