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Canada six-goal win over Qatar marred by serious injury
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Canada six-goal win over Qatar marred by serious injury
It should have been a moment of pure joy.
Canada, 40 years after playing in their first World Cup, secured their first-ever win at the tournament in emphatic fashion, thrashing Qatar 6-0 in front of a packed and loud Vancouver Stadium.
They are almost certain of a place in the last 32. But celebrations were overshadowed by a dreadful injury to Ismael Kone.
The incident happened eight minutes into the second half, with Canada leading 3-0. Their former Watford midfielder Kone, shortly after receiving the ball, was caught late and badly by Assim Madibo as he challenged for possession.
Kone’s reaction, and that of the players around him, said it all.
The 24-year-old Sassuolo midfielder looked anguished and in shock, with his leg visibly broken. His distraught team-mates rushed to him as the referee halted play so the medical staff could come on, while Madibo had his hands on his head.
A scuffle broke out between the two teams as frustration and anger over what had happened bubbled over.
Kone, though, despite suffering an injury that has ended his World Cup, lifted his thumb to the crowd as he was taken off on a stretcher.
“It was right in front of us, and everyone could hear the bone snap,” said Canada boss Jesse Marsch.
“I haven’t spoken to Ismael yet, but he’s at the hospital. He will prepare for surgery.
“Everybody’s a little shaken by the whole experience because of the nature of the injury, and also because Ismael is a big part of the heart of our team. It will be a big loss for us.”
Despite the nature of the injury, Kone was waving to supporters as he was carried off the field of play.
“It is a statement about Ismael, but also this is an incredible team. I have been telling people for years about the character of this group,” said Marsch.
“You got to see how everyone was crushed but we had to find a way to stay focused.”
Focus they did – as from then on, the crowd and the players were united as Canada pushed on to score three further goals.
During the second-half hydration break, Marsch was in tears. Nathan Saliba – who had replaced Kone – held up his team-mate’s shirt after he scored his side’s fourth.
“He will be back stronger than ever and he will continue to have a great career,” said Marsch of Kone.
“I said at the water break that he would want us to finish this game – and that is what the guys did.”
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Kone in ‘decent spirits’ as he is taken off on stretcher
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Kone in ‘decent spirits’ as he is taken off on stretcher
What next for Canada and Kone?
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‘He’s so imperfect but it’s why you love him’ – Marsch on Kone
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‘He’s so imperfect but it’s why you love him’ – Marsch on Kone
Marsch confirmed after the game Qatar’s Madibo had apologised to Kone for his challenge but insisted the tackle had no ill-meaning.
“He came into the dressing room to apologise,” added Marsch.
“I don’t think he meant such a gruesome tackle, I don’t fault him for that but I don’t understand their reaction from their bench.”
Madibo had been sent off for the tackle, leaving Qatar to finish the match with nine men – as Homam El Amin had been sent off for a professional foul on Tajon Buchanan in the first half.
The job is not done yet for Canada but they are within a point of guaranteeing their place in the last 32 of the World Cup – an incredible achievement for a side who had never before registered a point at the tournament until their opening 1-1 draw with Bosnia-Herzegovina.
They next face Switzerland knowing a win will ensure top spot in their group, and staying in Canada for the knockouts.
“You can see the brotherhood,” added Marsch.
“It is one of the first things I noticed when I took on this role, how close they are and how connected they are.
“In a moment like this, I don’t think they need me so much, they have each other. Their families are here and we have a family barbecue tomorrow and we will enjoy that and he [Kone] will be on our minds.”
Has football arrived in Canada?
Canada’s fans made plenty of noise in Vancouver
Canada’s fans made plenty of noise in Vancouver
While Kone and his injury was very much at the forefront of Marsch and his players’ thoughts, they allowed themselves a moment to celebrate their historic result at the final whistle.
They grouped together in a huddle before Marsch led them on a lap of honour round the jubilant stadium, with the ex-Leeds boss thumping the air to the sound of Seven Nation Army over the speakers.
Marsch was appointed by Canada in May 2024, given the opportunity to rebuild his reputation, having been sacked by Leeds a year earlier, and then been snubbed for the role as head coach of his native USA.
“The big carrot was a home World Cup, ” he said. “But it was also to change the sport in the country, to create an identity for what Canadian soccer can be.
“No-one will forget this. No Canadian will forget this day. There will be 40 million people who said they were here when this happened.
“It is an incredible, seminal moment in this country.”
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