Canada got their first-ever win at a World Cup with a 6-0 rout of Qatar in their second group game on Thursday night.
The World Cup co-host were held to a 1-1 draw by Bosnia and Herzegovina in their first clash and sealed victory to move on the brink of qualification to the next round.
Jonathan David was the star of the show with a remarkable treble, while Cyle Larin, Nathan Saliba and an own goal from Mohammad Al Mannai sealed victory over Qatar, who were reduced to nine men in the clash.
Canada move up to four points but top group B on goal difference ahead of Switzerland, who beat Bosnia 4-1 earlier in the day.
David steals headline with hat-trick as Canada get off the mark
Qatar had the first attempt of the game, but it was Canada who first threatened as David fired in a volley that was saved by Abunada.
In the 16th minute, the North American side scored the game’s first goal as Larin fired in a rebound after David’s initial attempt was saved by the Qatar goalkeeper.
The Juventus forward was not to be denied for a third time in the clash, firing in his first goal of the tournament with a superb volley.
Canada were awarded a penalty minutes later after a foul by Al Amin on Buchanan. However, it was overturned but the Qatar defender was sent off for a last man challenge and a free kick was awarded as the foul had taken place just outside the area.
Buchanan then had another attempt cleared off the line, before David scored their third goal of the game in first half stoppage-time to give them a 3-0 win at the break.
Canada suffered a major blow early in the second half as Ismael Kone was on the receiving e of a poor challenge from Madibo. The midfielder was eventually stretchered off while Madibo was sent off for the horrific challenge.
It marked the sixth red card at this World Cup, surpassing the four that was handed out in 2022.
Saliba then made it four minutes later and paid tribute to the injured Kone with his celebrations, before Al Mannai put the ball into his own net for five.
David completed his hat-trick in stoppage time as Canada sealed a massive win that sends them top of group B ahead of the final rounds of games.
What Next?
Canada and Switzerland will now face-off to determine the group winners in their final group game on Wednesday.
