VANCOUVER, Canada — Jonathan David delivered a dazzling hat-trick as Canada overwhelmed a nine-man Qatar side, 6-0, on Thursday (Friday in the Philippines), moving within a point of securing first place in Group B of the FIFA World Cup at BC Place.
The Canadian striker scored three times in a dominant performance that saw the hosts capitalize on two Qatar red cards and tighten their grip on the group heading into their final preliminary-round match against Switzerland.
Canada seized the initiative in the 16th minute when Cyle Larin opened the scoring before David doubled the lead 13 minutes later with a well-taken volley past Qatar goalkeeper Mahmud Abunada.
Qatar’s hopes of mounting a comeback suffered a major setback in the 33rd minute after defender Homam Ahmed was sent off. A VAR review upgraded his initial yellow card to a red following a challenge on Tajon Buchanan.
Playing with a numerical advantage, Canada continued to dictate the match and David struck again in first-half stoppage time to give his side a commanding 3-0 cushion at the break.
The situation worsened for Qatar early in the second half when midfielder Assim Madibo was shown a red card in the 53rd minute, reducing the Asian side to just nine men.
The incident also resulted in a serious injury to Canadian midfielder Ismaël Koné, who had to be stretchered off the field.
Nathan Saliba added a fourth goal in the 64th minute with a free kick and paid tribute to his injured teammate by holding up a jersey bearing Koné’s name and number during the celebration.
Canada continued its relentless attack in the closing stages.
Qatar’s Mohamed Manai inadvertently scored an own goal in the 75th minute before David completed his hat-trick in stoppage time to cap a memorable night for the Canadians.
The victory placed Canada in a strong position entering its final group-stage encounter against Switzerland, with a draw enough to clinch the top spot in Group B.
Meanwhile, Switzerland also boosted its chances after scoring four second-half goals in a convincing 4-1 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
After being held scoreless for more than 70 minutes despite controlling possession, Switzerland finally broke through in the 74th minute when substitute Johan Manzambi unleashed a superb volley.
Rubén Vargas doubled the lead in the 84th minute and later assisted Manzambi for his second goal in the 90th minute.
Bosnia-Herzegovina pulled one back through Ermin Mahmic in stoppage time, but Switzerland quickly responded with a late strike from Granit Xhaka to complete the emphatic win.
Elsewhere, Czechia and South Africa settled for a 1-1 draw, while Mexico edged South Korea, 1-0./PN
