Canada produced a dominant first-half display to take a commanding 3-0 lead over Qatar in their FIFA World Cup Group B clash in Vancouver.
The hosts opened the scoring in the 16th minute when Cyle Larin reacted quickest to a rebound after Qatar goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada had parried Jonathan David’s effort.
Canada continued to press forward and doubled their advantage in the 29th minute through Jonathan David, who capped off a sustained period of pressure with a clinical finish.
Qatar’s task became even more difficult when Homam Ahmed was sent off in the first half, leaving the visitors with 10 men.
Canada made the numerical advantage count, and David struck again in first-half stoppage time to give the co-hosts a comfortable three-goal cushion heading into the break.
With Canada controlling possession and creating the better chances, Qatar struggled to contain the hosts’ attacking threat as Jonathan David and Larin led a relentless assault on goal.
The first half ended with Canada firmly in control and on course for a historic World Cup victory.
