Ismaël Koné’s serious leg injury overshadowed Canada’s 6-0 win over Qatar in Vancouver, where Jonathan David’s hat trick sent Canada top of Group B.
Canada’s emphatic 6-0 win over Qatar in Vancouver was overshadowed by a serious leg injury to Ismaël Koné, who was taken off on a stretcher shortly before the hour mark.
The 24-year-old Sassuolo player was injured during Thursday’s Group B match, a result that moved Canada to the top of the group. The report did not give a diagnosis, but described the injury as severe and said coach Jesse Marsch offered an update after the match.
Marsch went to Koné as he was being carried toward the tunnel, in a moment captured with the coach and player leaning their heads together and clasping hands. Marsch, visibly emotional after the match, said Koné would be supported through his recovery.
“He embodies our team, and this will be a big loss for us,” Marsch said, according to the report. “He will be OK; we will bring good doctors for him and bring him back.”
Marsch also called Koné an important part of Canada’s long-term plans, saying the player is capable of moments few others can produce even while still developing consistency.
On the field, Jonathan David scored a hat trick against a Qatar side that finished with nine men, turning the match into a lopsided Canadian victory. But Koné’s exit changed the tone of the night for one of the tournament’s co-hosts.
Canada’s next confirmed test comes next week against Switzerland in its final group-stage match. England is also taking part in the competition, according to the report.
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