Jonathan David scored a hat-trick as co-hosts Canada claimed their first-ever World Cup win in style, with a 6-0 thrashing over nine-man Qatar on Thursday.
The Canadians started the home tournament with a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina but bouced back in the best possible way.
They led 2-0 by the half-hour mark thanks to goals from Cyle Larin and Jonathan David.
Qatar had their first player sent off in the 33rd minute. Homam Ahmed tripped Tajon Buchanan and the referee initially awarded Canada a penalty.
After video review the decision was overturned, while Ahmed’s yellow card was upgraded to a red.
Before the break, David scored his second to give Canada a comfortable 3-0 lead.
Things were looking great for the co-hosts but there was a scary scene in the 52nd. Ismael Koné went down after a challenge with Assim Madibo. He was conscious but had to be carried out on a stretcher, while Madibo received a red card as Qatar went down to nine players.
From then one, things got even easier for Canada. Nathan Saliba in the 64th and Mohamed Manai’s own goal in the 75th sealed the win before David completed his hat-trick in stoppage time to crown a fantastic day in Vancouver.
Canada now top Group B on goal difference but tied with Switzerland on four points. The Swiss team earlier defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 4-1.
