Canadian midfielder Ismael Kone suffered a broken left leg during his team's 6-0 World Cup win over Qatar in Vancouver, an injury so severe that nearby players reacted in shock as they saw the damage. The 24-year-old Sassuolo star was challenged by Qatar's Assim Madibo in the 50th minute, resulting in a foul that initially earned Madibo a yellow card from referee Cristian Marcelo Garay Reyes. After a VAR review, the decision was upgraded to a red card.
Kone was lifted onto a stretcher by medics, given oxygen, and gave a thumbs up as he was carried off the field to applause from spectators. Madibo appeared upset by the incident. Minutes later, midfielder Nathan Saliba lifted up Kone's shirt in tribute after scoring Canada's fourth goal. The match ended with a skirmish between both benches, sparked by a tense handshake between managers Jesse Marsch and Julen Lopetegui.
“Canada's Ismael Kone suffered a broken leg in a 6-0 World Cup win over Qatar after a challenge by Assim Madibo.”
A visibly emotional Marsch walked over to his stricken player, putting their heads together and shaking hands as Kone was taken down the tunnel. After the game, Marsch said: 'Ismael is such a great kid, he's imperfect but that is why we love him. He can do things that no other player can do. He embodies a lot of what this team is. He was our best player against Bosnia. He is a huge loss for us. Our hearts are with him, but that kid has a huge future.'
Canada centre-back Moise Bombito added: 'Ismael's injury is a big loss for us to be sure. He is an unbelievable human being, he will be missed a lot. We just have to make him proud.'
Kone, playing in his first World Cup, has been the subject of transfer speculation in recent months, with several major European clubs reportedly interested. Canada, who top Group B after Jonathan David's hat-trick against nine-man Qatar, face Switzerland in their final group stage game next week.