On June 19, in a Group B match at BC Place in Vancouver, Canada capitalized on Qatar's two red cards to secure the decisive victory. This win marked Canada's first triumph in World Cup play after eight matches, having previously lost all three group stage games in the 1986 Mexico and 2022 Qatar tournaments. Canada had earned its first World Cup point with a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina in its opening match of this tournament.
With this victory, Canada now has one win and one draw (4 points, +5 goal difference), placing them at the top of Group B, tied on points with Switzerland (4 points, +3 goal difference) but ahead on goal difference. Qatar, on the other hand, sits at the bottom of the group with one draw and one loss (1 point).
Canada took control early in the match, scoring its first goal in the 16th minute when Kyle Larin capitalized on a rebound from David's shot that hit the goalkeeper. In the 29th minute, David scored again, converting a deflected shot from Tajon Buchanan.
Canada gained a numerical advantage in the 30th minute when Buchanan was fouled by Qatar defender Homam Ahmed, resulting in a direct red card. Just before halftime, in the 48th minute, David scored his second goal in a chaotic situation in front of the net, solidifying Canada's lead.
The second half continued to favor Canada, with Qatar receiving another red card in the 53rd minute when Ismael Kone was fouled by Qatari midfielder Asim Madibo. Canada took full advantage of the situation, with Nathan Saliba, who replaced the injured Kone, scoring a stunning free kick in the 64th minute. In the 75th minute, a defensive error by Qatar led to an own goal by Mohamed Manaï.
In stoppage time, David completed his hat trick with a left-footed shot, becoming the second player to achieve this feat in the tournament, following Argentina's Lionel Messi.
With this victory, Canada will face Switzerland in their final group stage match on June 25 at 4 a.m. at the same venue.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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