The Mt Kenya Times 
By Norman Mwale
“This is for every Canadian who waited 38 years” – Jonathan David
Canada delivered a historic statement on home soil, thrashing Qatar 6–0 at BC Place Vancouver on Thursday night to secure qualification for the World Cup last 32 with a match to spare. The result, played before 52,497 fans, lifts Jesse Marsch’s side to six points atop Group B and marks the nation’s first ever men’s World Cup victory after 38 years of waiting.
From the opening whistle the Canucks played with pace and purpose. Cyle Larin broke the deadlock in the 16th minute, finishing confidently after Canada pressed Qatar high and forced an early error. The tone was set, and Jonathan David took over before half-time. He doubled the lead in the 29th minute with a composed finish, then struck again in first-half stoppage time at 45+3’ to send Canada in 3–0 up at the break.
Qatar’s night collapsed further when Homam Ahmed was sent off following a VAR review in the 33rd minute, and Assim Madibo followed him in the 51st minute for a dangerous challenge that also left Ismaël Koné with a serious leg injury. Down to nine men, the visitors had no answer as Canada continued to press. Nathan Saliba, on for the injured Koné, curled a fine free-kick into the net in the 64th minute to make it 4–0. Mohamed Al-Mannai turned the ball into his own net under pressure in the 75th minute for 5–0, and David completed his hat-trick in second-half stoppage time at 90+2’ with a ruthless finish to seal Canada 6–0 Qatar.
“This is for every Canadian who waited 38 years,” said David after the match, still clutching the match ball. “We came here not just to participate. We wanted to make history at home, and we did it together. The crowd carried us tonight.”
Captain Milan Borjan praised the squad’s focus despite the lopsided scoreline. “We respected Qatar, but we executed our plan,” he said. “Even at 3–0 we kept our standards. This win is for the fans and for Ismaël — we played for him after his injury.”
Coach Jesse Marsch was measured in victory but proud of the performance. “We started aggressively and stayed clinical in both boxes,” he said. “To get our first World Cup win, at home, in this fashion, is special for this group. But the main concern tonight is Ismaël. We will support him fully.”
Qatar head coach Carlos Queiroz accepted the defeat. “Canada were superior in every department,” he said. “The red cards changed the game, but even before that Canada played with intensity we could not match. We must recover and finish the group with dignity.”
The win confirms Canada for the knockout phase and gives them a chance to top the group and avoid the tournament’s heavyweights in the round of 32. For a nation that has long dreamed of World Cup success, Thursday night felt like a release. “O Canada” rang out long after the final whistle, and the message to the world was clear: this Canadian team has arrived.
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