LOS ANGELES: Canada secured their first-ever FIFA World Cup victory with a commanding 6-0 win over nine-man Qatar on Thursday, while Switzerland revived their Group B campaign with a convincing 4-1 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Playing before a packed home crowd at Vancouver’s BC Place Stadium, Canada ended a six-match losing streak at World Cups dating back to their tournament debut in 1986.
Jonathan David starred with a hat-trick, while Cyle Larin and Nathan Saliba added goals. Qatar defender Mohammad Manai also scored an own goal as Canada recorded the biggest win in their World Cup history.
The result moved Canada level on four points with Switzerland at the top of Group B. Canada lead the group on goal difference and need only a draw against Switzerland in their final group-stage match on June 24 to finish first.
Canada’s victory was overshadowed by a serious injury to midfielder Ismael Kone, who was stretchered off after a challenge from Qatar’s Assim Madibo early in the second half.
Madibo’s yellow card was upgraded to a red following a review, leaving Qatar with nine players after Homam El-Amin had already been sent off in the first half for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity.
Canada coach Jesse Marsch said Kone had been taken to hospital with a suspected broken leg and was expected to undergo surgery.
In Los Angeles, Switzerland reignited their hopes of reaching the knockout stages with a comprehensive 4-1 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Johan Manzambi scored twice, while Ruben Vargas and captain Granit Xhaka also found the net as the Swiss bounced back from their opening-round draw with Canada.
The victory moved Switzerland onto four points and kept them firmly in contention for a place in the Round of 32.
Bosnia-Herzegovina, who qualified for the tournament by defeating Italy in the playoffs, remain on one point from two matches and face an uphill battle to advance.
Elsewhere, South Africa kept their qualification hopes alive after earning a 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic in Group A in Atlanta.
Michal Sadilek gave the Czech Republic the lead before Teboho Mokoena converted a late penalty to secure a point for South Africa.
Both teams now have one point from two matches and will likely need victory in their final group fixtures to progress.
In Guadalajara, Mexico became the first team to secure a place in the knockout rounds after defeating South Korea 1-0.
The victory ensured the co-hosts advanced from Group A with six points from two matches, while South Korea remained on two points heading into the final round of group-stage games.
The match came amid heightened attention after Mexican authorities earlier this week intercepted a drone reportedly flying over South Korea’s training camp.