Canadian international midfielder Ismael Kone has been hospitalised with a suspected broken leg after a significant injury sustained during Canada's 6-0 World Cup victory against Qatar. The incident, described as 'horror' by coach Jesse Marsch, left the Canadian squad deeply affected, despite celebrating their historic first-ever win in a World Cup finals match.
The injury occurred when Kone was challenged by Qatar's Assim Madibo near the dugout. Coach Marsch revealed that those on the bench 'could hear the bone snap', highlighting the severity of the impact. Kone was able to sit up as he was stretchered off the field, a gesture Marsch noted as an 'incredible statement' about Kone's character, trying to put others at ease despite his distress.
Marsch, visibly emotional during his post-match press conference, confirmed Kone was at the hospital preparing for surgery. He stressed that the entire team was 'a little shaken by the experience' due to the nature of the injury and Kone's integral role within the squad. Kone's family is reportedly with him at the hospital.
The Qatari player, Assim Madibo, was sent off following a VAR review for the challenge, which reduced Qatar to nine men after an earlier dismissal. Marsch clarified that Madibo later apologised to Kone in the dressing room, an apology Kone conveyed to his teammates. Despite this, Marsch expressed frustration at the reaction from the Qatari bench following the red card decision.
The incident somewhat overshadowed a momentous day for Canadian football, which saw Jonathan David score a hat-trick, alongside goals from Cyle Larin and Nathan Saliba, who replaced Kone. This victory marks a significant milestone for Canada, with Marsch stating, 'No Canadian will forget this day,' emphasising the talent and mentality present within the country's football.