Ismael Kone’s injury overshadowed Canada’s historic six-goal run at the World Cup against Qatar
It should have been a day of celebration for Canada as they beat nine-man Qatar 5-0 to secure their first win at the World Cup. However, this opportunity was marred by an unfortunate injury to Ismael Kone, which had to be taken off the field.
CAN VS QAT MAIN
A hat-trick from Jonathan David and goals from Nathan Saliba and Cyle Larin put the home side well on their way to victory as Qatar’s awful day at the office was compounded by an own goal from Mohammed Manai. Canada were clinical with their performance and put them in the driver’s seat to secure a place in the next round, while Qatar could be on their way back home after their performance.
CANADA’S ATTACK COMES UP
It was a day Jesse Marsch opted not to include his talisman Alphonso Davies in the starting XI as the co-hosts looked to build on the draw against Bosnia.
Canada had played eight World Cup games before Thursday’s game, losing all of them and conceding just two goals. It was Qatar who threatened early on to turn the game over to the visitors who tried early on.
But from that point on, it was only one-way traffic in Vancouver. David scored for the first time in the seventh minute when his shot was deflected by Qatar’s Mahmub Abunada.
It was just a prelude to what was to come. At this point, Canada’s attack was coming from the right through Tajon Buchanan and Alistair Johnston. The duo consistently beat their men and put in crosses that Qatar were unable to deal with. Johnston sent in a cross from the right and the initial shot was saved. But Cyle Larin was there at the right time in the 16th minute to make it 1-0.
Buchanan continued to threaten and his deflected shot went straight to David who took a first-time shot past the Qatar keeper.
Five minutes later after the second goal, Homam Ahmed should have fouled Buchanan inside the box and a penalty was awarded. While the VAR whistled the penalty, in the 34th minute he gave his orders to Homam.
Canada continued to attack Qatar using the man advantage and David got his second game after a brief scramble in the box.
KONE’S INJURY SHADOW WINS
It was a day when Kone looked like he was on top of everything. The 24-year-old controlled play from the midfield and enjoyed himself in Vancouver.
But a bad call from Madiba meant Kone’s campaign came to an abrupt end. The Qatari midfielder tackled Kone from behind and he went down immediately, with concerns in both camps.
A long delay ensued as Kone had to be taken off the pitch as Madibo was shown a red card for his challenge.
It was a good thing for the Canadian fans to see Kone sitting and applauding the crowd as he left the field. Unfortunately, this may be the last time Kone plays a match at the tournament.
Saliba received a nice free kick in the 64th minute and quickly gifted the goal to Kone with a beautiful gesture.
By this time, Qatar’s damage control system had failed to stem the onslaught as defender Mohammed Manai conceded an own goal to sum up Qatar’s day.
David then capped the win with a goal in stoppage time as Canada topped Group B. Canada will face Switzerland, who secured a big win against Bosnia earlier in the day.
The two teams will face each other on June 24. Qatar are out of contention and will need to beat Bosnia on the same day to qualify.
Football World Cup | FIFA World Cup Schedule | FIFA World Cup Points Table | football news
– The end
Published on:
Jun 19, 2026 05:57 IST