Canada's first men's World Cup win electrifies BC Place
Jonathan David's hat trick leads dominant 6-0 rout of Qatar on Thursday, securing top spot in Group B with one match to play.
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Canada notched its first-ever men's World Cup victory Thursday, June 18, routing Qatar 6-0 at BC Place in a dominant performance that left the crowd of 52,497 in full voice.
Jonathan David scored three times, making him the first Canadian to record a hat trick at the World Cup. The goal barrage began with Cyle Larin in the first half, then David added two more, while the crowd chanted "we want four" and "we want five" after each strike.
Midfielder Ali Ahmed, who spent three seasons with the Vancouver Whitecaps, noted the intensity. "I was a bit shocked," he said. "I never heard BC Place this loud." The closed roof trapped the noise inside, amplifying every roar.
Canada lost key midfielder Ismaël Koné to an apparent broken leg in the second half after a hard tackle in the 51st minute. Qatar drew two red cards.
The win puts Canada atop Group B with four points, tied on points with Switzerland but ahead on goal differential. A tie or win next Wednesday, June 24, against Switzerland at BC Place would secure top spot and a Round of 32 match at home. Coach Jesse Marsch called it a "seminal moment" for soccer in Canada, one that will remind the country it can be a soccer nation alongside its hockey roots.