Canada Secures Historic First World Cup Win Amidst Ismael Kone 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.

"You saw that he was waving to the crowd and almost making everyone at ease," boss Jesse Marsch said after the game.

"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.

"You got see how everyone was crushed but we had to find a way to stay focus."

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 Kobe.

“I said at the water break that he would want us to finish this game - and that is what the guys did.”

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."