Qatar's World Cup Rout
Qatar endures worst-ever World Cup loss with 6-0 defeat against Canada
Qatar suffered the worst defeat in its World Cup history on Thursday, losing 6-0 to Canada at BC Place in Vancouver. The match fell apart fast — two red cards left Qatar playing with nine men for most of the second half, and Canada took full advantage, according to AP News.
Goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada was seen breaking down in tears after the final whistle, receiving comfort from a Canadian opponent. The result drops Qatar to last place in Group B, though a slim path to the knockout round remains, AP News reported.
Jonathan David's Hat-Trick Tears Qatar Apart
Canada striker Jonathan David was the story of the night, scoring three goals to complete a historic hat-trick. He opened his account in the 29th minute with a powerful volley, added a second just before halftime, and finished the rout in the 90th minute. It was the first hat-trick by a player on home soil since 1966, according to Hastings Tribune.
Canada's other goals came from Cyle Larin in the 16th minute, a free kick by substitute Nathan Saliba in the 64th minute, and a Qatar own goal in the 75th minute. Canada finished with 52,497 fans at BC Place and zero shots conceded, The Hour reported.
Two Red Cards Collapse Qatar's Entire Game Plan
Qatar's trouble started in the 33rd minute when defender Homam Ahmed was sent off after a VAR review upgraded his yellow card. The second red card came early in the second half when midfielder Assim Madibo made a rash challenge on Canada's Ismaël Koné, according to Herald Bulletin.
Koné suffered a broken tibia and fibula and was stretchered off in tears. Madibo later visited the Canada locker room to apologize. David publicly condemned the tackle, saying: "If there's a play where you cannot win the ball, there's no point. It's just to hurt people," per KDH News.
Qatar Coach Defends Team After Historic Humiliation
Qatar head coach Julen Lopetegui tried to put the result in context after the match. "Everything that could go wrong, did go wrong," he said. "It was very difficult to face this match with two players less," according to WUSA9.
Qatar had actually earned its first-ever World Cup point just days earlier, drawing 1-1 with Switzerland on June 13. But the 6-0 loss erased that goodwill. Qatar now sits last in Group B with one point and a -6 goal difference, WWL TV reported.
Canada Tops Group B but Loses Koné for the Tournament
Canada now leads Group B with four points and a +6 goal difference, level on points with Switzerland. They need only a draw against Switzerland to top the group and secure a home Round of 32 match in Vancouver on July 2, according to Bozeman Daily Chronicle.
The win came at a cost. Coach Jesse Marsch confirmed Koné will need surgery and is out for the rest of the tournament. Still, Marsch called the day a "seminal moment" for Canadian soccer. Meanwhile, Qatar still has a slim chance at the knockout round if they beat Bosnia and Herzegovina and results go their way, 10TV reported.
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