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Canada has written a new chapter in World Cup history. On Thursday, the North American nation achieved its first-ever World Cup victory by defeating Qatar 6-0 at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver.
This victory has not only etched itself into Canada’s World Cup history but also stands as the country’s largest-ever win by margin in its football history. It simultaneously sets a new precedent for the widest margin of victory by a CONCACAF team in a World Cup match. With this historic win, Canada has also climbed to the top of Group ‘B’.
The historic match was enjoyed from the stands by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. He watched the game from a VIP box, sitting alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
Carney became the first head of government from any host nation in this World Cup to be present at the venue and enjoy a match. After the game, he visited the team’s dressing room to congratulate the players, stating in a brief address, “You have made me proud. I couldn’t have been prouder than this.”
Before the match, many on social media had joked about ‘Carney’s Curse’. However, after the dominant 6-0 victory, that narrative shifted. Many supporters began to suggest that Carney’s presence had brought good fortune to Canada.