The horrific injury sustained by Ismaël Koné cast a shadow over Canada's joy at recording the first victory in their World Cup history, as a night of triumph over Qatar — a clean 6-0 win in Vancouver — ended in deep concern for the midfielder, who was carried off the pitch on a stretcher.
Canada achieved an unprecedented result in their third appearance at a World Cup finals, defeating Qatar 6-0 in the second round of Group B fixtures, bringing them close to reaching the second round for the first time. They need only a draw against Switzerland in their final match to top the group.
Canada's goals were scored by Kyle Larin in the 16th minute, Jonathan David — who completed a hat-trick — in the 29th, 45+3rd, and 90+2nd minutes, substitute Nathaniel Salbiah in the 64th minute, and an own goal by Mohammed Menaai in the 75th minute.
The celebratory atmosphere at BC Place stadium in Vancouver — where Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney was in the stands supporting his country's team — turned sombre after the heavy challenge that left Koné stricken in the 51st minute.
The midfielder, who plays for Italian club Sassuolo, was the victim of a strong tackle by Assim Madibo, leaving him on the ground in pain clutching his left leg, before his teammates urgently called for the medical staff.
Koné was carried off the field on a stretcher, waving to the crowd as he left, while breathing through an oxygen tube due to the severity of his injury.
Madibo was initially shown a yellow card, before the referee upgraded it to a red following a VAR review, leaving Qatar to complete the match with nine men after Hamam Al Amin had also been sent off in the first half in the 33rd minute.
Canada exploited their opponents' numerical disadvantage to add three more goals, including one from substitute Salbiah — who had come on to replace Koné — scoring directly from a free kick outside the penalty area, before celebrating by holding up his injured teammate's shirt.