Vancouver, Jun 19 (V7N) – Co-hosts Canada produced a stunning attacking display to crush Qatar 6-0 in their Group B encounter at the FIFA World Cup, with Jonathan David scoring a brilliant hat-trick at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver.
Canada took control of the match early and opened the scoring in the 16th minute through Kyle Larin. Qatar goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada failed to hold onto a powerful effort from Jonathan David, allowing Larin to capitalize on the rebound and put the hosts ahead.
David doubled Canada's lead in the 29th minute with a clinical finish as the home side continued to dominate proceedings.
Qatar's situation worsened in the 33rd minute when Homam Ahmed was shown a straight red card for fouling Tejan Buchanan inside the penalty area, reducing the visitors to 10 men.
David struck again deep into first-half stoppage time to make it 3-0, giving Canada a commanding advantage heading into the break.
The hosts maintained their relentless pressure after halftime. Qatar were reduced to nine men in the 53rd minute when Asim Madibo received a red card for a serious challenge on Ismaël Koné, who was forced to leave the field injured.
With a two-man advantage, Canada continued to find space and opportunities. William Saliba added the fourth goal in the 64th minute before Qatar's Mohamed Manai inadvertently turned the ball into his own net to make it 5-0.
David completed his hat-trick in stoppage time, scoring Canada's sixth goal and sealing an emphatic victory. The striker became only the second player to score a hat-trick at the tournament, following Argentine star Lionel Messi.
The victory ensured that all three co-host nations have now registered wins at the tournament and significantly boosted Canada's hopes of reaching the knockout stage.
Canada will face Switzerland in their final Group B match on June 24. The match is scheduled to kick off at 1:00 am Bangladesh time.
END/SMA/AJ
