Canada Records Historic World Cup Victory
TORONTO - Jonathan David delivered a stunning hat-trick as Canada recorded the first World Cup finals victory in the nation's history with a commanding 6-0 demolition of nine-man Qatar in a one-sided Group B encounter on Thursday. Backed by a passionate crowd of more than 55,000 supporters, the tournament co-hosts delivered a statement performance to move to the top of the group and take a major step toward the knockout stage.
Canada seized control from the outset and opened the scoring in the 16th minute when Cyle Larin reacted quickest to convert after David's initial effort was parried by goalkeeper Mahmud Abunada. The lead doubled 13 minutes later as David volleyed home in style to cap another flowing Canadian attack.
Qatar's challenge suffered a major setback when defender Homam Ahmed was sent off following a VAR review, reducing the visitors to 10 men. David struck again just before halftime, turning home from close range to give Canada a commanding advantage. The match became increasingly difficult for Qatar after Assim Madibo was shown a red card early in the second half, leaving his side with nine players.
Canada took full advantage, with substitute Nathan Saliba scoring from a free-kick before celebrating by holding up the shirt of injured midfielder Ismael Kone, who had earlier been stretchered off. An own goal by Mohammad Mannai compounded Qatar's misery before David completed his hat-trick in stoppage time.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney was among the spectators as Canada celebrated a historic World Cup victory. Head coach Jesse Marsch praised his team's exciting performance, saying they showcased their talent and mentality on the biggest stage. He also reassured fans about injured midfielder Ismael Kone, expressing confidence that the promising youngster would recover and return stronger. Qatar coach Julen Lopetegui vowed his team would bounce back despite the setback and two suspensions from red cards. He insisted Qatar had earned their place at the World Cup and promised his players would continue fighting for positive results in their remaining group-stage matches.
Mexico Top Group A as Romo Strike Sinks South Korea
Mexico became the first team to secure a place in the World Cup knockout stage after Luis Romo's decisive second-half goal earned the co-hosts a hard-fought 1-0 victory over South Korea and confirmed top spot in Group A.
The win lifted Javier Aguirre's side to six points from two matches and guaranteed a Round-of-32 clash on home soil in Mexico City on June 30, delighting a passionate crowd at Guadalajara Stadium. After a tightly contested first half, the breakthrough arrived just three minutes after the restart. South Korean goalkeeper Kim Seung-Gyu failed to deal with a cross following a collision with a teammate, and Romo reacted quickest to slot the loose ball into an empty net.
South Korea responded strongly and threatened an equaliser on several occasions, but Mexico's defence stood firm. Goalkeeper Raul Rangel emerged as the hero in the closing stages, producing two outstanding saves from point-blank range to preserve his side's slender advantage. The victory marked Mexico's second consecutive win of the tournament and their first World Cup group-stage triumph on home soil outside Mexico City. It also secured their first top-place finish in a World Cup group since 2002, also under the guidance of Aguirre. Mexico will conclude the group phase against Czech Republic, while South Korea must defeat South Africa in their final match to keep their hopes of progression alive.
Switzerland Strike Four in Final Stages to Sink Bosnia 4-1
Switzerland produced a devastating late attacking display to overpower Bosnia and Herzegovina 4-1 and move within touching distance of the World Cup knockout stage in an entertaining Group B encounter. After battling a disciplined Bosnian defence for more than an hour, the Swiss finally found their breakthrough through substitute Johan Manzambi, whose impressive two-goal cameo transformed the contest and sparked a four-goal surge in the closing stages.
The match appeared destined for frustration for Switzerland as Bosnia defended resolutely and restricted clear-cut opportunities. However, the introduction of fresh attacking legs proved decisive. Just minutes after entering the field, the 20-year-old Manzambi broke the deadlock in the 74th minute when his shot slipped past goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj. Bosnia's hopes suffered a major setback shortly afterward when defender Tarik Muharemovic was sent off for a professional foul, leaving his side to finish the match with ten men. Switzerland immediately seized control and never looked back.
Substitute Ruben Vargas doubled the advantage with a clinical finish before Manzambi struck again late in regulation time, capping a memorable performance. Bosnia managed a consolation goal through substitute Ermin Mahmic, whose well-taken volley briefly lifted the spirits of the large Bosnian contingent in the crowd.
Any hopes of a late comeback were extinguished in stoppage time when Swiss captain Granit Xhaka calmly converted a penalty to complete a commanding 4-1 victory. The result lifts Switzerland to four points and leaves them needing only a positive result in their final group match against Canada to secure a place in the Round of 32. Bosnia, meanwhile, face a must-win encounter against Qatar to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
Czech Republic Held by Fighting South Africa in 1-1 Draw
South Africa kept their World Cup hopes alive after Teboho Mokoena converted a late penalty to secure a hard-fought 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic in a tense Group A encounter.
The Czechs made a dream start, taking the lead in the sixth minute when Michal Sadilek finished a well-worked move after South Africa's defence switched off. Despite enjoying more possession, South Africa struggled to break down a disciplined Czech side for long periods.
The breakthrough finally came seven minutes from time when Mokoena calmly dispatched a penalty after a handball decision inside the box. The result leaves both teams on one point and facing must-win final group matches to maintain their hopes of reaching the knockout stage.
