World Cup Nights: Canada make history, thrash Qatar 6-0 with David hat-trick
A night to remember for the hosts. In Vancouver, Canada crush Qatar 6-0 for the first World Cup win in their history, inspired by a Jonathan David hat-trick. In Los Angeles, Switzerland beat Bosnia 4-1 thanks to their substitutes, while Mexico edge South Korea 1-0 to become the first team into the knockout stage. Czechia 1-1 South Africa. Tonight it is the turn of Groups C and D, with the USA in action in Seattle.
At Vancouver's BC Place came the finest night in Canadian football history. Canada thrashed Qatar 6-0 to claim their first-ever World Cup win, after decades and three appearances without one. Cyle Larin opened on 16', then Jonathan David took over: a first-half brace (29' and 45'+3') and a hat-trick completed deep in stoppage time (90'+2'). In between came Nathan Saliba's free-kick (64') and a Manai own goal (75') off a Shaffelburg shot. David is the first player to score a World Cup hat-trick on home soil since Geoff Hurst in the 1966 final, and the first CONCACAF forward to do so since Bert Patenaude in 1930. The celebration was marred by a serious injury to Ismael Kone and two red cards for Qatar, reduced to nine men.
Elsewhere, Switzerland seized control of Group B. At Los Angeles' SoFi Stadium, after a goalless first half, the substitutes decided it: 20-year-old Johan Manzambi opened with a stunning volley on 74' and completed a brace in 19 minutes; in between, Ruben Vargas doubled the lead after Muharemovic was sent off, leaving Bosnia with ten men. In stoppage time, Ermin Mahmic's superb strike (90'+3') and Granit Xhaka's penalty with the last kick (90'+7') sealed the 4-1. Note Edin Dzeko, at 40 the fourth outfield player over 40 to feature at a World Cup after Roger Milla, Modric and Ronaldo. In Guadalajara, Mexico beat South Korea 1-0 through Luis Romo (50'), punishing a Kim error: the hosts move to six points and are the first nation mathematically through to the knockout stage. Earlier, in Atlanta, Czechia drew 1-1 with South Africa: Michal Sadilek struck after just six minutes (the fastest goal of the tournament so far) and Teboho Mokoena equalised from the spot on 83' — a first point for South Africa.
The figure of the day was Jonathan David, but it was his coach Jesse Marsch who stole the post-match show: 'No Canadian will forget this day,' he said, revealing he had warned his players beforehand — 'We know Johnny, and I told them to buckle up' — about a striker 'who is a goalscorer, the real thing.' On the other side, there was only dismay at Kone's injury; the midfielder went off in tears and may see his World Cup ended early. In the table, Group B smiles on Canada and Switzerland, level on four points with the North Americans top on goal difference; in Group A, Mexico fly on maximum points.
Tonight the stage shifts to Groups C and D for their second round of fixtures. It starts at 9pm Italian time in Seattle, where the USA — already winners over Paraguay on opening night — face Australia in Group D. At midnight, in Boston, Scotland take on Morocco in Group C; at 2.30am Brazil are in Philadelphia against Haiti. The grand finale comes at 5am in California: Turkiye-Paraguay closes the night in Group D, with the South Americans already needing a result after their opening defeat.
On we go, one night at a time. See you tomorrow at dawn.
Highlights
In Italy, full matches are on RaiPlay.
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