World Cup Horror! Canadian Player Hospitalized, Bone Snap Heard by All

The 24-year-old Sassuolo midfielder was stretchered off the pitch after a challenge from Qatari midfielder Assim Madibo in the 51st minute of the Group B match in Vancouver. Kone received oxygen during treatment and waved to the crowd as he was carried off.

"It was right in front of us, and everyone heard the bone snap. I haven't spoken to Ismael yet, but he's in the hospital. He's preparing for surgery. I'll go see him after the press conference, and we'll see how we proceed," Marsch said at the post-match press conference, according to AFP.

The Canadian coach admitted that the injury significantly affected the entire team. "Everyone is a bit shaken by the nature of the injury. Ismael is a huge part of the heart of our team and will be a big loss for us. As he was being carried off, he waved to the fans, as if calming everyone around him despite being injured. That says a lot about the kind of person he is."

Marsch praised his players for maintaining concentration despite the difficult situation: "It affected everyone, but we had to find a way to stay focused. We knew Ismael would want us to finish the job. We're all thinking of him, and at the same time, we're proud of what we accomplished today."

The Canada coach criticized the reaction of the Qatari bench after the referee changed Madibo's yellow card to a red following a video review. "The player apologized to Ismael, even came to the locker room to see him. I don't think he intended to cause such a serious injury, so I don't blame him for that. However, I don't understand the reaction of their entire bench, who tried to provoke a conflict over a red card after a tackle that left a player with a broken leg. It was strange behavior."

Substitute Nathan Saliba, who came on for the injured player, later scored Canada's fourth goal and celebrated with Kone's jersey in his hands. Striker Jonathan David called the Qatari player's tackle unnecessary: "If you can't get the ball, there's no point in going into a challenge like that. It's just about hurting someone."

Thanks to their dominant victory, the Canadians significantly boosted their chances of advancing and securing first place in Group B. In their final group stage match on Wednesday, June 24, they will face Switzerland in Vancouver. A draw will be enough to secure the top spot.